Ready Rhode Island

Dear Rhode Islanders,
It brings me great pleasure today to release this policy report, “Ready Rhode Island.” This report is a roadmap
for making Rhode Island a national leader in early childhood education. Specifically, this plan lays out
our vision to achieve universal pre-kindergarten for all four-year-olds throughout the State of Rhode Island.
This proposal is a building block for economic development. In fact, research has shown that prekindergarten
graduates are more likely to attend college, attain a full time job, and have health insurance
later in life. This is the first building block in a wider view of strengthening our economy, creating jobs, and
investing in people. I look forward to continuing this conversation during my campaign for Governor.
Like so many, I know firsthand the life-changing power of a transformative education. I often say that,
growing up, I went from “Head Start to Harvard University,” and I did it through the Providence public school
system. For me, it was the dedicated teachers that I had along the way – at Mary E. Fogarty Elementary
School, Roger Williams Middle School, Nathanael Greene Middle School, and Classical High School – that
made all the difference.
As Mayor of the City of Providence, I have made improving educational outcomes and ensuring that all of our
children have access to high-quality public schools my top priority. And while there is more work left to be
done, I am proud of what we have accomplished in three short years. Our plan to raise the percentage of
third graders who are proficient in reading by the end of third grade has earned Providence a designation by
the National League of Cities as an “All American City.” Providence has been named one of the 100 Best
Communities for Young People by the America’s Promise Alliance. And our work has been recognized by
many organizations, including Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Nellie Mae
Education Foundation, and even the White House. Thanks to the tireless work of many – educators, families,
and community-based organizations – Providence is moving in the right direction.
Research shows that supporting early childhood education is a direct investment in the building blocks of
long-term economic development. Universal pre-kindergarten is a critically important first-step in
strengthening Rhode Island’s cradle-to-career workforce development pipeline.
As Governor, I will fight to make sure that all of Rhode Island’s young people – regardless of their family
circumstances – have the same types of opportunities that I enjoyed. That’s a promise that starts right at the
start, with universal pre-kindergarten.
Together, I know we can make a difference for young people throughout Rhode Island.
Sincerely yours,
Mayor Angel Taveras
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Paid for and Authorized by Friends of Angel Taveras| Ava Vanech, Treasurer
Printed In House