MARIETTA, Ga. (AP) - President Barack Obama has left Georgia after visiting an early childhood learning center and giving a speech in the Atlanta area.

Air Force One left the Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta around 2:40 Thursday. Obama visited the College Heights Early Childhood Learning Center in Decatur, just east of Atlanta before delivering a speech at a local recreation center.

During his speech, Obama said he wants to make high-quality early education available to every child in America.

The president singled out Georgia in his State of the Union address as a state that has made early childhood education a priority.

President Obama says he wants to make preschool available to all 4-year-olds, a vast expansion of existing early childhood education programs.

He says that education has to start at the earliest possible age.

Obama spoke Thursday after touring a childhood education center in Decatur, Ga. Following a meeting with children and preschool teachers, he says, quote, "If you're looking for a good bang for your education buck, this is it right here."

The president is traveling for a second day following his State of the Union address, pressing initiatives for his second term.

The White House has not said how much such a program would cost. Details would be in its upcoming budget next month.

DECATUR, Ga. (AP) - President Barack Obama says he wants to make preschool available to all 4-year-olds, a vast expansion of existing early childhood education programs.

He says that education has to start at the earliest possible age.

Obama spoke Thursday after touring a childhood education center in Decatur, Ga. Following a meeting with children and preschool teachers, he says, quote, "If you're looking for a good bang for your education buck, this is it right here."

The president is traveling for a second day following his State of the Union address, pressing initiatives for his second term.

The White House has not said how much such a program would cost. Details would be in its upcoming budget next month.

Obama's plan was not well-received by Republicans in the GOP-controlled House of Representatives.