Rhode Island Considering Universal Pre-K, Should Massachusetts?

Rhode Island lawmakers are in the throes of passing legislation that could offer free prekindergarten to three-year-olds and four-year-olds that reside in the state.

New parents across the country face the daunting decisions of going back to work after having a child, only to realize that they are then working just to barely pay for the childcare.

With recent Massachusetts laws on medical leaves for new parents, some relief was provided but many parents are ready to get back to work by the time their children is walking and talking.

In Rhode Island, a bill regarding free pre-K has already passed the state Senate and now will head to the House in the coming weeks.

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In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts there are several assistance and grants programs in place to help preschool aged children and their families but all have limited reach and funding. Last year, Governor Maura Healey announced she sought to make free universal pre-K a priority in "gateway cities" such as New Bedford and Fall River.

When I was growing up in New Bedford, having a program like this available would have helped my single mom continue to work without having to worry about the cost of child care or babysitters.

Having firsthand experience being the child in this situation, I can see the benefit to both the parent and the child.

It would of course be an expensive program, but a worthwhile investment in a long overdue program.

Should our Massachusetts lawmakers follow suit with Rhode Island if they do in fact pass the law?