I was pleased to read the article (May 30) on the tremendous success of the new pre-K program at RSU 58. As Franklin County sheriff, I would like to add that quality early education also has long-lasting crime prevention benefits.

The simple social skills that children learn early in life in programs such as pre-K not only give them a leg up as they transition into kindergarten, but they are the foundation of an entire lifetime of positive and productive personal and educational growth. That includes graduating from high school on time, becoming contributing members of society and last, but not least, avoiding a life of crime.

Various studies around the country have shown that kids who do not participate in quality early childhood education programs are much more likely to commit a crime by age 18. They are also more likely than their peers to serve time in jail as a young adult. The cognitive, social and emotional skills that young children learn have been proven to make them less likely to see crime as their only option later in life.

Quality early education programs, such as the successful pre-K program just started in RSU 58, build a solid foundation for children in many ways and help make our communities safer.

I commend RSU 58 and hope other communities in Maine follow its lead.

Scott Nichols, Farmington, Franklin County Sheriff