McKee announces multi-million dollar proposal for pre-K education

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. (WLNE) — Gov. Dan McKee stopped by Children’s Workshop in Central Falls with other state leaders to discuss a $7 million proposal for pre-school education.

He said investing in the states youngest learners paves the future of Rhode Island.

The $7 million would go towards 800 pre-existing school spots, that are federally funded. That funding is set to expire, which would remove the open spots by the end of the school year.

McKee’s proposal would continue the funding for those pre-K seats.

Some of the long-term goals to come from this proposal would be more support for multi-language students, aid in recruiting and retaining students, and the hope to have 5,000 students enrolled in pre-school education by the year 2026.

McKee said he hopes investing in education, and expanding the accessibility of it, will alleviate some of the child-care stress the state is experiencing as well.

“The investments we are making in our proposed budget will give children every opportunity to succeed, while at the same time meeting the needs of their families,” McKee said.

In addition, he hopes to designate $1.3 million towards building around 35 classrooms throughout the state of Rhode Island by the 2024-2025 school year.

A final vote on this proposal is not expected until June.