Maryland Lags Behind in Enrolling Kids in Public Pre-K Programs
A recent report by the National Institute for Early Education Research has revealed that Maryland is lagging behind 17 other states in enrolling kids in public prekindergarten programs. According to the 2024 State of Preschool Yearbook, Maryland’s enrollment rates for 3- and 4-year-olds in state-funded pre-K programs are significantly lower than those of its neighbour, Washington, D.C.
The report, which is the 22nd of its kind, notes that enrollment in pre-K programs hit a record high of 1.75 million children last school year, up 7% from the prior year. However, progress since the pandemic has been "highly uneven from state to state." Maryland’s enrollment rates tell a similar story. According to the report, only 38% of 4-year-olds in Maryland were enrolled in state-funded pre-K last school year, placing the state at 18th out of 44 states and D.C. with a state-funded pre-K program.
In terms of 3-year-olds, Maryland enrolls 7% of this age group, ranking 20th in the nation. Nationwide, 37% of 4-year-olds and 8% of 3-year-olds are enrolled in state-supported pre-K programs. Eleven states and D.C. serve at least half of their 4-year-olds in these programs. The disparity between Maryland and D.C. is particularly striking, with 95% of 4-year-olds and 82% of 3-year-olds in D.C. enrolled in public pre-K.
The report also notes that Maryland has increased its spending on pre-K programs, with a total of $358 million and an additional $3.8 million in federal pandemic recovery funds. This represents an inflation-adjusted increase of 62% from the prior year. According to the Baltimore Banner, which cites the report, Maryland’s spending per preschooler increased to $10,977, up $3,979 from the previous year.
Despite this increased spending, Maryland still lags behind other states in terms of enrollment. The state’s goal is to eventually get all 4-year-olds and all low-income 3-year-olds into state-supported pre-K programs, although some families may have to pay some or all of the cost. The Baltimore Banner reports that Maryland is one of five states that increased their spending per child by more than $2,500.
The report also evaluates states based on their adherence to pre-K quality benchmarks. According to the Baltimore Banner, Maryland meets 8 out of 10 benchmarks, including requirements for teacher training and early learning standards. However, the state would need to require assistant teachers to obtain a child development degree and mandate hands-on coaching for teachers in the classroom to meet all 10 benchmarks.
This reporting is part of The Baltimore Banner’s Education Hub, community-funded journalism that provides parents with resources they need to make decisions about how their children learn. As noted by the Baltimore Banner, "federal COVID-19 recovery funding played a crucial role in sustaining and advancing preschool." The report’s findings highlight the need for continued investment in pre-K programs to ensure that all children have access to high-quality early education.
The National Institute for Early Education Research’s report provides a comprehensive overview of the state of pre-K education in the United States. The Baltimore Banner’s coverage of this report provides valuable insights into the challenges facing Maryland’s early education system and the need for continued investment in pre-K programs.
According to the Baltimore Banner, "Maryland’s goal is to eventually get all 4-year-olds and all low-income 3-year-olds into state-supported pre-K programs, though some families will have to pick up some or all of the cost." The article also quotes that "federal COVID-19 recovery funding played a crucial role in sustaining and advancing preschool."
The 2024 State of Preschool Yearbook offers a detailed account of how different states have fared in terms of pre-K education. Information from this report has been sourced in this article, accurately reflecting data around pre-K enrollment.
