Nevada Literacy Council and Advocates Support Senate Bill 460 for Early Childhood Programs
May 19, 2025 | 2025 Legislature NV, Nevada
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The Nevada Senate Committee on Education convened on May 19, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 460, a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at enhancing early childhood literacy and readiness programs across the state. The bill has garnered significant support from various stakeholders, highlighting its potential to transform educational outcomes for Nevada's youngest learners.
Adrienne Santiago, Executive Director of the Northern Nevada Literacy Council, testified in favor of the bill, emphasizing the critical role of family engagement in literacy development. Santiago shared that the council's family reading program, funded through the now-terminated ECLIPSE grant, has positively impacted over a thousand families, particularly those with limited English proficiency. She noted that without continued funding, many families would lose access to essential literacy resources, underscoring the urgency of Senate Bill 460.
Monica Ford, representing the Rainbow Dreams Early Learning Academy, echoed these sentiments, advocating for the bill's provisions that support early childhood literacy and facility expansion. Ford pointed out that many children in underserved communities face barriers to quality education, and the proposed investments are crucial for providing equitable access to learning opportunities.
However, not all feedback was supportive. Demar Dahl, a board member of a charter school in Elko, expressed concerns that Senate Bill 460 could undermine the value of charter schools. He urged the committee to reconsider the bill, reflecting a divide in perspectives on how best to allocate educational resources.
Patricia Charlton, Chancellor of the Nevada System of Higher Education, also voiced her support for the bill, reinforcing the importance of investing in early education as a foundation for future academic success.
As the committee deliberates, the discussions surrounding Senate Bill 460 highlight a critical moment for early childhood education in Nevada. The outcomes of this legislation could significantly influence literacy rates and educational equity for generations to come, making it a focal point for community stakeholders and policymakers alike. The committee's next steps will be closely watched as they weigh the diverse opinions and potential impacts of this important bill.
Adrienne Santiago, Executive Director of the Northern Nevada Literacy Council, testified in favor of the bill, emphasizing the critical role of family engagement in literacy development. Santiago shared that the council's family reading program, funded through the now-terminated ECLIPSE grant, has positively impacted over a thousand families, particularly those with limited English proficiency. She noted that without continued funding, many families would lose access to essential literacy resources, underscoring the urgency of Senate Bill 460.
Monica Ford, representing the Rainbow Dreams Early Learning Academy, echoed these sentiments, advocating for the bill's provisions that support early childhood literacy and facility expansion. Ford pointed out that many children in underserved communities face barriers to quality education, and the proposed investments are crucial for providing equitable access to learning opportunities.
However, not all feedback was supportive. Demar Dahl, a board member of a charter school in Elko, expressed concerns that Senate Bill 460 could undermine the value of charter schools. He urged the committee to reconsider the bill, reflecting a divide in perspectives on how best to allocate educational resources.
Patricia Charlton, Chancellor of the Nevada System of Higher Education, also voiced her support for the bill, reinforcing the importance of investing in early education as a foundation for future academic success.
As the committee deliberates, the discussions surrounding Senate Bill 460 highlight a critical moment for early childhood education in Nevada. The outcomes of this legislation could significantly influence literacy rates and educational equity for generations to come, making it a focal point for community stakeholders and policymakers alike. The committee's next steps will be closely watched as they weigh the diverse opinions and potential impacts of this important bill.
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