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Report: More Investment in Early Childhood Education Needed in Tennessee

A recent report from the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth says the state needs to invest more in early childhood education.

The study released this week recommends expanding the state's voluntary pre-K program to all at-risk Tennessee children.

The program has not been expanded since 2008. Established in 1999, the program has 935 classrooms serving about 18,500 children.

The commission says research shows pre-K programs help children develop the cognitive, social and emotional skills they need to learn.

The report also urges Gov. Bill Haslam to expand Medicaid in Tennessee so that children can receive health care. According to the commission, about 80,000 children are eligible for TennCare -- the state's Medicaid program -- but aren't covered.

Child care advocates believe they would receive coverage if the expansion occurs.

  

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