This isn't just an Illinois story, it's a national story. This week's announcement was wonderful for the children of Illinois but equally wonderful for the children across this country?Many many families will enjoy the benefits of this far-sighted and far-reaching vision.

215

Pre-K is gradually being integrated into the K-12 education system nationwide. In a state that has so many great universities like Purdue, Indiana and Notre Dame, it's a shame (Indiana) won't do more to ensure its own children are better prepared to enter those schools with high quality pre-K.

204

I think you're one leader away from getting a high-quality program. This is just a matter of political will and someone setting this as a priority.

167

It will be a fight. Children don't have a lobbyist, so it's difficult to see progress in this area. But Governor Blagojevich, without doubt, is the biggest children's champion we have.

115

Their reading is going to be more fluent. They're not going to be working to catch up.

113

Middle-income children are being left behind. Children in poverty have access to Head Start. Upper-income parents buy whatever is best for their child -- usually a preschool of very high quality. It's the middle class that's getting squeezed.

77