Arne Duncan, President-elect Barack Obama ’s pick for Education secretary, promised a new emphasis on early childhood education at his confirmation hearing Tuesday before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

Sen. Tom Harkin , D-Iowa, who chaired the hearing at the request of ailing HELP Chairman Edward M. Kennedy , D-Mass., said he wants to see a partnership between the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees Head Start, and the Department of Education to boost early childhood education programs.

“So many of these kids, we get them in kindergarten  . . .  and we have a tough time,” Harkin said. “Somehow, we have got to make sure that every child comes to school ready and able to learn.”

Duncan said he would work to do something “dramatically better” in early childhood education, and he said Obama was committed to the creation of a commission on early childhood education.

Duncan, outgoing Chicago school superintendent, spent last week on Capitol Hill visiting members of the committee, and during Tuesday’s hearing, he won praise across the board, from both sides of the aisle.

“President-elect Obama has made several distinguished Cabinet appointments – I think you’re the best,” said Sen. Lamar Alexander , R-Tenn., who served as Education secretary under President George H.W. Bush.

“I think you’re a high-altitude, high-achieving guy,” said Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski , D-Md.

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