Upper Darby native Senate Alexander is spearheading a $350 million initiative to help parents find affordable, quality early childhood education, writes Cherri Gregg for WHYY.

The goal is to open six early learning centers that will provide free, high-quality education to children from low-income families.

Under the initiative, the Catherine Hersey Schools where Alexander is executive director would provide qualifying children birth to 5 years a full-day weekday program focusing on the whole child.

That includes transportation, nutritious meals, diapers, health services, and other essentials.

A dedicated staffer would keep families informed and help them connect to tools, resources and job training.

“It is really a holistic approach to being able to help not only the children but also their families,” Alexander said.

Alexander grew up in Upper Darby with his mom and brother.  His mother was a low-wage secretary so the family didn’t have the necessities it needed to thrive.

In 1997, Alexander was enrolled at the Milton Hershey School which changed his life trajectory. Now he wants to offer the same to others.

Ground was broken on the first new center in Hersey in November, with a scheduled 2023 opening.

Read more at WHYY about  Senate Alexander and a new approach to early childhood education.