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What Good Pre-K Costs...Before it Pays Big Dividends
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 In light of the growing demand for high-quality pre-kindergarten programs and concerns about poor quality programs in some of the country's largest states, a report released today by the Institute for Women's Policy Research (IWPR) examines the costs associated with quality pre-k.
"Meaningful Investment in Pre-K: Estimating the Per-Child Costs of Quality Programs," designed to assist decision makers in estimating the costs of quality pre-k, draws attention to both dollars and quality standards necessary to ensure that children enter school ready to learn and succeed. Basic standards noted in the report include low teacher-to-child ratios, small class sizes, as well as experienced, well-compensated, highly credentialed teachers.
This year alone, 38 states are investing nearly $5 billion to provide voluntary pre-k programs for their youngest constituents. "Meaningful Investment in Pre-K" reminds us that this record amount of pre-k spending means nothing unless the money goes toward the proven, high quality standards that make a difference in the lives of children, families, and communities.
  download the report
read the brief |
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| Today in Pre-K |
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Economists Push for Smart Educational Spending
Ever wonder about the relationship between the price and quality of pre-k programs
or the most cost effective ways to increase our country's graduation rate? So did economists Henry Levin and Clive Belfield, founders of Columbia University's Teachers College Center for Benefit-Cost Studies of Education (CBCSE). Launched last year to determine which alternative educational policies and interventions produce the greatest overall returns, CBCSE's studies have managed to effectively quantify the dollars states and the nation as a whole are losing by not investing in our children's education.  read more
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Rogue Comments
in Rhode Island
Rhode Island, one of two Northeastern states without a state-funded pre-k program, is not getting the gubernatorial leadership it needs to escape the pre-k wilderness. This session, Gov. Don Carcieri proposed to eliminate state funding for Head Start and almost 15 percent of available slots with it. Teachers and children protested at the capitol last week, only to hear the governor call the program "a waste of money," dismissing the program's effectiveness. What blindsided Head Start supporters is that the governor could not back up his assertions. Rep. Eileen S. Naughton told the Providence Journal, "I'm outraged. With just a simple Google search and a couple of clicks, there is tremendous data about [Head Start’s successes]." Gov. Carcieri and you can read more about the benefits of Head Start here. |
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A Tale of Two Governors
Maryland and Virginia are dealing with tight budgets. While each is taking a different approach to pre-k expansion, success in both states hinges on gubernatorial leadership. Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine made his pre-k proposal a budget priority, discussing the issue at every critical turn. The divided Virginia legislature compromised with the governor last week, providing the Virginia Preschool Initiative with an additional $22 million to serve more children and to increase per-child funding. Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley made no pre-k proposals this session. Legislators are moving a bill to make children in military families eligible for the state pre-k program. The bill's fate is uncertain, but Gov. O'Malley would improve the odds for military families by emulating the vocal pre-k call voiced across the Potomac. |
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Yesterday in Pre-K
Looking for a news item that was here yesterday but is gone today? Click here |
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Meeting the Challenge of Rural Pre-K
Families everywhere stuggle to find high-quality pre-k programs for their children, but the problem is even more acute in rural areas. Pre-K Now has come out with recommendations for federal policymakers to help states meet the unique challenges of rural pre-k.
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Work @ Pre-K Now
We are looking for energetic advocates for two year-long fellowship positions.
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Summer Fun
Recently, Inside Pre-K co-blogger Karissa wrote about how quickly summer vacation is approaching for her and her students. By the time this article is posted, her community-based center will officially be on vacation. However, my pre-k classroom, embedded within a...
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