More kids than ever are attending state-funded preschool, with California’s surge leading the way
Summary
The number of 4-year-old children attending state-funded preschool in the U.S. reached a record high of 1.8 million last school year, covering 37% of 4-year-olds. California led this growth by making all 4-year-olds eligible for its transitional kindergarten program, adding 25,000 students, though some quality standards have yet to be met.Key Facts
- State-funded preschool enrollment in the U.S. rose to 1.8 million children last school year.
- This represents 37% of 4-year-olds and about 10% of 3-year-olds nationwide.
- States added 44,000 new preschool students compared to the previous year.
- California accounted for more than half of the national preschool enrollment increase with 25,000 additional students.
- California’s transitional kindergarten (TK) program made every 4-year-old eligible for public preschool.
- California met 2 out of 10 quality benchmarks for preschools, such as teacher training and class size standards.
- Some private preschools in California express concern that public programs are hurting their businesses.
- Only six states meet all quality benchmarks, and states vary widely in access and quality of preschool programs.
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