Thank you.  I’m pleased to be here at Beyer Early Childhood Center in Rockford, Illinois, with Representative Eric Sorensen and National Education Association President Becky Pringle to visit an incredible early learning program here and talk about why we believe early childhood is so critical to raising the bar for education in this country.

I also want to thank Mayor McNamara for your presence and leadership.  Superintendent Jarrett, and Director Nelson, thank you for highlighting the importance of early childhood education the way you do.