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Officials say preschool a great crimefighter

By Tom Barker, The Southern

MOUNDS - Crime prevention is often thought of as flashing lights and handcuffs, but local law enforcement are showing their support for one of Illinois' most effective crime countermeasures: preschool.

Research has shown that early childhood education plays a pivotal role in a child's social development, leading children away from criminal lifestyles and several leaders in southernmost Illinois law enforcement and legislation met to support the area's preschool programs Wednesday.

State Rep. Brandon Phelps, D-Harrisburg, was joined by Union County Sheriff David Livesay and State's Attorney Tyler Edmonds, Pulaski County Sheriff Randy Kern and representatives from the national ‘Fight Crime: Invest in Kids' initiative at Meridian Elementary School Wednesday morning.

"It's very important in this budget crisis that the state make a priority funding of preschool and early education, because it is very important and it helps kids get off to a solid start in their education," said State's Attorney Tyler Edmonds. "It lays the building blocks so you can make the most of your education and socially progress and become a good citizen."

Suffering 10 percent cuts in state funding last year, preschool programs across Illinois have downsized their services. Classes at Meridian were cut from three classrooms to two. From a law enforcement perspective, pre-kindergarten education is key to keeping kids out of jail as they grow into adults.

"You fund what's important, and I can't think of anything more important than the future of our kids," said Rep. Phelps. "We will lead the push to make sure some of that funding will be restored ... to teach a kid what's right from wrong, I think that's a big deal."

The law officials visited a preschool classroom at the school and each spent time reading the children a story. Before meeting the students, the officials met with school administrators and teachers for a news conference about the importance of preschool education.

Kim Tucker, Pre-K Coordinator at Meridian, said preschool education serves as both an academic tool and a socialization tool, enabling children to enjoy their coming education and develop a value of respect for others and authority.