Sample Letters to the Editor

How to use these Letters to the Editor:

• Make it your own!
• Add in state-specific facts (use your own and see below for other sources)
• Do not feel limited by the approach or scope of these LTEs, try to keep the length the same – but you can strategically add or subtract details.
• We’ve suggested places where you can add statistics – We have used statistics we know are available for all states. Some states have more statistics available than others, so you may be able to add more descriptive data on your state.

Letter on Prekindergarten

It’s time for America to invest in children’s education.  Far too many children enter kindergarten without the basic skills they need to do well in school. Nationally, fewer than three in ten four-year-olds participate in high-quality prekindergarten (, in YOUR STATE, [X] in 10 four-year-olds participate. It’s critical that leaders at the national and state levels fix this gap and make high-quality prekindergarten available to all four-year-olds--starting with children in low- and moderate-income families who are often unable to afford these programs.

Early education is one of the best investments we can make.  Children who attend high-quality prekindergarten are more likely to do well in school, graduate from high school, and find a stable job.  High- quality prekindergarten also helps parents be productive at work with the peace of mind that their children are in safe learning environments. This investment will yield high returns for our children, families and the nation.

Letter on Infants and Toddlers

Research on brain development shows that the he first three years of life lay the foundation for children’s futures.  Yet we do not do enough to help parents give their children a strong start.

President Obama’s early learning proposal would expand voluntary home visiting programs for vulnerable families with infants, offering resources, guidance, and support to parents-- our children’s first teachers.  It would also provide funding for affordable and high-quality care for hard-working families who struggle to make ends meet. Full-day infant care averages $4,500 to $15,000 a year, depending on where a parent lives [or fill in your state’s average from Child Care Aware’s report on child care costs].  High-quality infant care can be even more expensive, or completely unavailable.

When children get the support they need from the very start, they thrive and are more likely to succeed in school and in life.  It’s time to ask our Senators and Representatives to increase support for families with infants and toddlers.  It’s an investment with a high rate of return.

Document(s):

Sample Letters to the Editor