President Obama rallied Thursday for his new proposal to provide universal access to pre-K programs, telling teachers in Decatur, Ga., that "we all pay a price" when students lack quality childhood education.
"The size of your paycheck shouldn't determine your child's future," Obama said. "So let's fix this. Let's make sure none of our kids start out the race of life a step behind."
Obama's proposal, first outlined in Tuesday's State of the Union address, provides federal matching dollars to states with the goal of providing preschool for every 4-year-old from a moderate or low-income family.
Obama is also requesting an expansion of Early Head Start to provide additional childcare and learning programs for toddlers.
The president's trip to Georgia highlights that state's program, implemented in 1995, which seeks to provide universal pre-K for children across the state.
Read more on Obama's push for access to pre-K programs.
