State preschool plan an unqualified winner

It's a no-brainer. The sooner youngsters begin the adventure of learning — and develop those handy language, math, cognitive and social skills — the more likely it is that they'll succeed.

Early education is particularly critical for children born into poverty, many of whom need a head start to catch up with their more affluent peers in the early grades. Yet a recent study concludes that most states have barely invested in early childhood education, including Hawai'i.

So we're delighted that the state is poised to build 13 preschools on public elementary school campuses with preferences given to the most needy families.

While the state builds the facilities and playgrounds, private groups will operate the schools. Pre-Plus is overseen by Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono, who'd like to see the part-public, part-private program expand to universal preschool.

Early education for the needy stands to help narrow the education gap between the rich and poor. And universal preschool benefits those caught in the middle who can't afford private preschool and who make too much to qualify for subsidized programs.

Whichever way you look at it, this mission is a winner.