Record High Preschool Investments in Michigan and US, But Disparities Remain
A recent report from the National Institute for Early Education Research has revealed that despite record state investments in preschools, some states are making progress while others are lagging behind. According to the 2024 State of Preschool Yearbook, states spent over $13.6 billion on preschool in 2023-2024, representing an increase of nearly $2 billion over the previous year.
The National Institute for Early Education Research notes that these figures represent some of the largest year-to-year increases ever seen at the national level. However, the report also highlights that this progress is not uniform across all states. “These are some of the largest year-to-year increases we’ve ever seen at the national level,” said Allison Friedman-Krauss, associate research professor at the National Institute for Education Research. “The downside of that is that we don’t see that progress in all the states.”
The report also reveals that enrollment numbers are up, with over 1.7 million children nationwide benefiting from preschool programs, an increase of more than 111,000 from the previous year. However, not every state’s program is improving. “We have got California and Colorado that increased enrollment by over 30,000 children each,” Friedman-Krauss noted. “And on the flip side, we have five states that don’t have a state-funded preschool program at all. So, they didn’t serve any kids.”
The disparities in preschool investments and enrollment numbers can be attributed to how funding is allocated. According to Friedman-Krauss, there is always a trade-off between serving more kids and improving program quality. “It is always this tension in the field between ‘where does the money go?'” Friedman-Krauss said. “Does the money go into serving more kids? Does the money go into improving standards?”
Michigan is one state that appears to have struck a good balance between serving more kids and improving program quality. The state is one of only five to meet all 10 of the institute’s benchmarks, which measure factors such as class sizes, learning standards, and teacher qualifications. Michigan has been a model for preschool programs, with a focus on transportation funding, curriculum, and parent outreach. “They’ve been one of our exemplars for years,” Friedman-Krauss said. “They are growing their program in this sort of purposeful plan way.”
The National Institute for Early Education Research has been tracking preschool investments and enrollment numbers for years, and the 2024 State of Preschool Yearbook provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of preschool education in the US. The report highlights the progress that has been made, as well as the challenges that remain. As Friedman-Krauss noted, some states are making significant strides in preschool education, while others are struggling to provide adequate programs. The report is available online, providing valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and parents.
For more information on the State of Preschool Yearbook and the National Institute for Early Education Research, visit their website. The organisation’s research provides critical information on the state of preschool education in the US, highlighting best practices and areas for improvement. By examining the data and trends, policymakers and educators can work together to create high-quality preschool programs that benefit all children.
The National Institute for Early Education Research’s research has shown that investments in preschool can have long-term benefits for children, including improved academic performance and socio-emotional development. As the US continues to grapple with the challenges of providing high-quality education, the importance of preschool investments cannot be overstated. By prioritising preschool education and working to address the disparities highlighted in the report, policymakers can help ensure that all children have access to the resources they need to succeed.
According to the National Institute for Early Education Research, Michigan’s preschool program is a model for other states, with a focus on providing high-quality education to all children. The state’s commitment to preschool education is reflected in its investment of $13.6 billion in preschool programs in 2023-2024. This investment has paid off, with Michigan’s preschool program meeting all 10 of the institute’s benchmarks.
The 2024 State of Preschool Yearbook is a comprehensive report that provides an overview of the current state of preschool education in the US. The report highlights the progress that has been made, as well as the challenges that remain. By examining the data and trends, policymakers and educators can work together to create high-quality preschool programs that benefit all children.
Sources:
National Institute for Early Education Research. (2024). 2024 State of Preschool Yearbook.
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