Expand access. Protect the whole child.
Lisa James argues that universal pre-K expansion should strengthen the early childhood system, with financing and coordination that preserve Head Start’s health, developmental, and family services.
“A classroom seat is valuable, but instruction alone cannot heal an untreated toothache, identify an undiagnosed developmental delay, or stabilize a family facing eviction.”
The op-ed calls for quality protections, funding for comprehensive services, coordinated enrollment between school districts and Head Start providers, and child care support for young parents returning to education or training.
By Lisa James, MPP
Founder & Principal, LMJ Center for Policy Innovation
Explore the supporting research.
The companion white paper develops the research and policy recommendations. The executive briefing provides a concise overview for public leaders.
White paper & executive briefingResearch & Analysis
This is authored policy commentary by Lisa James, MPP. The full argument appears in the supplied op-ed PDF.
Publication & Research Notes
Published here as LMJ commentary. The PDF identifies regional syndication as its target; no external publication is claimed. The companion white paper contains the research record and describes the policy context as of October 7, 2026.
The source documents use the imprint “LMJ Policy Solutions” and are provided as authored.