Ten education advocacy groups have formed a coalition to push for more funds for early education in Pennsylvania, which currently helps less than 20 percent of 3- and 4-year-olds access high-quality programs, according to Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children (PPC).

The coalition wants to “elevate the discussion about high-quality pre-K and how to make it more accessible to kids,” said Mike Race, a PPC spokesman.

In the spring, it plans to release a report on models for pre-K funding that have been successful in other states, he said.

With Pennsylvania facing a gubernatorial election this year, Race said the group would not endorse a candidate but wants “this issue to be discussed in the realm of campaigns.”

Among the other groups in the coalition are Delaware Valley Association for the Education of Young Children, Economy League of Greater Philadelphia, Public Citizens for Children and Youth, and the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey.

The Philadelphia Inquirer – January 25, 2014 – Read article online