Pre-K-for-All

The state has passed legislation that guarantees access to high-quality, voluntary pre-k for all three- and/or four-year-old children, or funds pre-k through the school funding formula.

Rationale: Driven by research on early brain development and the efficacy of early learning opportunities, thirty-nine states now offer some form of pre-k. However, most of these are targeted programs, and together, they only reach about ten percent of the nation's three and four year olds. Moreover, the quality of these programs varies both across and within states. Carefully crafted legislation can commit a state to a specific strategy and schedule for developing a high-quality pre-k system that meets the needs of all children, and mandates adequate funding. Furthermore, a comprehensive bill reduces the likelihood that legislators will approach pre-k in a piecemeal, disorganized fashion. Including pre-k as part of the school funding formula can also effectively commit a state to funding their pre-k program.

Examples: Currently, only two states, Georgia and Oklahoma, offer high-quality pre-k to all their four year olds, but three year olds are not included. Florida's legislature, prompted by a constitutional amendment passed by fifty-nine percent of state voters, has recently passed legislation creating pre-k for all the state's four year olds but the low funding threatens the quality. Several states have legislation in place which mandates pre-k for all four year olds but they have not specified a timetable for implementation of the program. In general, such open-ended completion schedules are a consequence of inadequate funding. Other states, such as West Virginia, have a clear timetable set for making pre-k available to all who want it, but the funding needed to meet the stated deadlines has not been appropriated.