Recent data from the Education Commission of the States finds that states across the nation are increasing their funding for prekindergarten programs.
"For the third year in a row both Republican and Democratic policymakers are making significant investments in state-funded pre-K programs," the report read on the Education Commission of the States's official site. "An analysis of 2014-15 appropriations by the 50 states and the District of Columbia shows the following key findings:
National overview:
State-by-state
State examples
The report includes a chart looking at the nation showing that states such as Kansas, Arkansas, Illinois, Wyoming, Missouri, Kentucky, Virginia, New York, Vermont, Alaska and Massachusetts all have flat funding for pre-K programs. States including California, Texas, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut all have increased funding. Nevada, Oklahoma, Florida, Tennessee and Maine all have seen a funding decrease for the fiscal year of 2013-14 and 2014-15.
"The age at which students enter pre-K is a critical period for cognitive, social and behavioral development and lays the foundation for future success in school and life," the report said. "It is in the pre-K classroom where students develop the soft skills needed for future success, such as the management of emotions and the ability to establish positive and rewarding relationships with others. These essential skills support early reading and math aptitude, predict later academic achievement and help children learn what is necessary to be kindergarten-ready."
Read the full report and comment below.
Article by Kassondra Granata, Education World Contributor