Knox County law enforcement leaders urged state leaders to continue support for Tennessee's Head Start program.
Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch, Knox County Sheriff J.J. Jones and Knox County District Attorney General Randy Nichols read to children at the North Ridge Crossing Head Start center.
The group says studies show that children who receive a solid early education are less likely to commit crime.
They're calling for Governor Haslam and the state legislature to continue supporting early childhood education within the state.
"It's making a real difference, a difference that you can't see everyday, and that's why it's so difficult. People don't see the benefit of their tax dollars going to this. So we're trying to make an effort to say, 'Your tax dollars are giving you true benefit in this program. We think most so than a number of other things we do," said Nichols.
There are five Head Start centers in Knox County.