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Preschool
Over the past decade, states and the federal government have taken a deep interest in expanding and improving the early education programs that children attend before they begin kindergarten. Support for high-quality preschool is generally strong among both policymakers and members of the public, and there is widespread agreement that giving young children access to appropriate learning experiences before kindergarten can contribute to later success in school.
But debates continue over how much the government should spend on preschool, which children should be served, and who should operate these programs.
EWA has provided background on these issues, plus potential sources and contact information, in a series of reform briefs on early childhood education and you can also view presentations from our 2009 annual meeting in Washington, D.C. from Pilar Torres of Centro Familia spoke to reporters on why they should pay attention to early childhood issues and trends and Elizabeth Burke Bryant director of Rhode Island KIDS Count, spoke on the future of early childhood education under President Obama's administration.
How pre-K is covered
You may find it helpful to know how other journalists are approaching the growing pre-K beat.
- EWA conducted a survey, funded with a grant from the Pew Charitable Trusts, of reporters, editors and producers across the country. Read our summary of the survey, browse the full survey report or take a look at the survey questions.
- Jeff Solochek, education reporter with the St. Petersburg Times, put together a tip sheet for journalists on the early childhood education beat.
- Sarah Carr, education reporter for the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel offered additional tipsfor reporters writing about pre-kindergarten students.
The APPLES Blossom: Abbott Preschool Program Longitudinal Effects Study
Average quality was approaching good when children in this longitudinal study entered Abbott Pre-K, but average quality is now good to excellent. National Institute for Early Education Research, June, 2009
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Report Calls For New Initiative to Improve Math Education for Preschoolers
Opportunities for preschoolers to learn mathematics are currently inadequate, particularly for those in low-income groups, says the report, which is intended to inform the efforts of Head Start, state-funded preschool programs, curriculum developers, and teachers.
Science Daily July 2, 2009
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A tale of two preschool programs
By Chris Linden
In practice, both programs have produced similar, yet drastically different results. As the Even Start early childhood program lies on the chopping block, its close cousin, Head Start, is receiving billions in new stimulus funds.
Medill Reports July 1, 2009
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Anna Lovejoy
National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA)
Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 624-5300
A senior policy analyst for the Education Division of NGA, which provides information on best practices in early childhood, elementary, secondary and post-secondary education.
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Early Ed Watch Blog
The Early Ed Watch Blog provides up-to-the-minute analysis, reporting, and commentary focused on policies that affect children's access to high-quality, aligned PK-3 educational programs for our children from ages 3 through 8.
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Ellen Boylan
Education Law Center and Starting at 3
(973) 624-1815, ext. 18
eboylan@edlawcenter.org
Focuses on adding preschool to state school finance cases focusing on adequacy
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Bruce Fuller
Education Professor
Policy Analysis for California Education
University of California, Berkeley
(510) 642-7223
b_fuller@berkeley.edu
Research has focused on how poor children are faring in child care and preschool programs under new state welfare systems.
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Barbara Bowman
Professor
Erikson Institute
Chicago, IL
(312) 755-2250 ext. 2275
bbowman@erikson.edu
Expert on training of early-childhood professionals, curriculum, assessment, and programs for poor and minority children.
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Center for Law and Social Policy
Washington, D.C.
(202) 906-8000
Advocacy organization focusing on family policy and programs for low-income children.
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Center for the Child Care Workforce
Washington, D.C.
(202) 662-8005
A project of the American Federation of Teachers Educational Foundation that focuses on early education workforce training, compensation, and working conditions.
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Helen Blank
Senior Fellow
National Women's Law Center
Washington, DC
(202) 319-3036
Expert on state and federal child care and early-childhood education policy and finance.
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Anne Mitchell
President
Early Childhood Policy Research
Climax, NY
(518) 966-4585
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Council of Chief State School Officers
Washington, D.C.
(202) 336-7000
Has a variety of projects focusing on early-childhood education, including building a "cadre of champions," an arts education partnership, and an assessment consortium.
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Darcy Ann Olsen
Goldwater Institute
Phoenix, AZ
(602) 462-5000
Disputes findings that preschool programs have long-term benefits and argues that government should not be paying for universal preschool.
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Education Commission of the States
Denver, CO
(303) 299-3600
Provides information on early-learning topics, including databases on what states are doing inprekindergarten and kindergarten.
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Foundation for Child Development
145 E 32nd St, 14th Floor
New York, New York 10016-6055
(212) 213-8337
National, private philanthropy describes itself as "dedicated to the principle that all families should have the social and material resources to raise their children to be healthy, educated and productive members of their communities."
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High/Scope Educational Research Foundation
Ypsilanti, MI
(734) 485-2000
Conducts the High/Scope Perry Preschool Study as well as other research, and provides training to preschool and elementary teachers.
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Jack P. Shonkoff, M.D.
Professor
Brandeis University
Waltham, MA 02454
(781) 736-2000
A leading authority on the application of neurobiology to early childhood policy. He was the 2005 recipient of the C. Anderson Aldrich Award for a report entitled, "From Neurons to Neighborhoods: The Science of Early Childhood Development." The award is given annually for outstanding contributions to the field of child development.
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Libby Doggett
Executive Director
Pre-K Now
Washington, D.C.
(202) 862-9871
Works to inform and help policymakers design and implement high-quality prekindergarten programs for 3- and 4-year-olds. Shepreviously worked at the Trust for Early Education and theNational Head Start Association, where she led a satellite training course for teachers.
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National Association for the Education of Young Children
Washington, D.C.
(202) 232-8777
A membership organization for child-care providers,preschool and elementary teachers, researchers,and anyoneworking on behalf of children from birth through age 8. It is the leading accrediting agency in the field andhas standards for all aspects of programs.
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Children’s Defense Fund
Early Childhood Development Division
Washington, D.C.
(202) 662-3544
www.childrensdefense.org
Advocacy organization with resources and research on early-childhood programs, especially those serving disadvantaged children.
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National Association of Early Childhood Specialists in State Departments of Education
A national association for state education agency staff members working in the early-childhood education field. Group works to improve instruction, curriculum, and program administration.
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National Center for Early Development and Learning
Chapel Hill, N.C.
(919) 966-0867
An early-childhood research project supported by the U.S. Department of Education. Involved in study of state prekindergarten programs.
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Report Details Problems With Pre-K, Kindergarten, Early Grades Teacher Prep
The quality of the instruction that children receive in pre-kindergarten through the third grade can make a lasting impact on how well they perform throughout their years in school. Because children in these grades are still developing basic skills, their teachers need preparation that is different from what is required of their late-elementary school counterparts. Laura Bornfreund, New America Foundation, March 1, 2011
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Giving Immigrant Kids the Tools to Excel
The number of LEP students is rising in New Jersey and nationwide. About 65,000 public school students were deemed to have limited English proficiency in New Jersey in 2008-09, up from 60,800 three years earlier. Most grew up speaking Spanish, but New Jersey students come from families speaking 187 languages. The numbers were analyzed through the EWA Education Research and Statistics Boot Camp. Leslie Brody, The Record, Dec. 20, 2010
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Little kids, big problems
By Linda K. Wertheimer, The Boston Globe
Extreme behavior in very young children – not your garden-variety tantrums, but aggression, paralyzing anxiety, and other severe problems – is increasingly being addressed by researchers, educators, and lawmakers. April 25, 2010
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Despite growing enrollment, budget cuts would pack more kids into pre-K classes
By Leslie Postal, The Orlando Sentinel
Florida's pre-kindergarten program would be forced to place six more children into each class next year to help offset deep budget cuts moving forward in the state House and Senate. March 19, 2010
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Child care payoff
By Larry Rulison, Times Union
The group unveiled a new study that shows that for every $1 invested in child care and early education in New York state, $1.86 is generated in spending injected into the economy. March 12, 2010
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Developmental delays surge in Oregon kids, and educators say that should mean increased services for them
By Betsy Hammond, The Oregonian
Reaching those children and their families earlier with specialized help will pay off with big gains in their communication, social and motor skills, educators say. March 10, 2010
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Play, then eat: Shift may bring gains at school
By Tara Parker-Pope, The New York Times
The switch appears to have led to some surprising changes in both cafeteria and classroom. Jan. 25, 2010
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At risk kids: Successful New York program a possible solution for Chicago
By Stephanie Banchero, The Chicago Tribune
As Chicago grapples for solutions to youth violence, some point to the Harlem Children's Zone initiative as a possible answer. Dec. 27, 2009
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Studying Young Minds, and How to Teach Them
By Benedict Carey, The New York Times
The findings, mostly from a branch of research called cognitive neuroscience, are helping to clarify when young brains are best able to grasp fundamental concepts. Dec. 20, 2009
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A healthier Head Start focuses more on preventing obesity
By Nanci Hellmich, USAToday
Many preschool children in Head Start programs are being offered fruits and vegetables and low-fat or non-fat milk daily as directors are increasingly concerned about childhood obesity, according to a study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The children also have a chance to play each day. Dec. 7, 2009
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Tips for the Admissions Test...to Kindergarten
By Sharon Otterman, The New York Times
Test preparation has long been a big business catering to students taking SATs and admissions exams for law, medical and other graduate schools. But the new clientele is quite a bit younger: 3- and 4-year-olds whose parents hope that a little assistance — costing upward of $1,000 for several sessions — will help them win coveted spots in New York City's gifted and talented public kindergarten classes. Nov. 20, 2009
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Obama's new push for preschool for at-risk children
By Amanda Paulson, The Christian Science Monitor
President Obama's proposed early childhood initiative offers about $1 billion a year total in challenge grants to states to help them improve the quality and governance of early-childhood education programs for at-risk children. Nov. 15, 2009
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Early Lessons
The Perry Preschool Project is one of the most famous education experiments of the last 50 years. The study asked a question: Can preschool boost the IQ scores of poor African-American children and prevent them from failing in school? The surprising results are now challenging widely-held notions about what helps people succeed in school, and in life. Part 1 of a series. Emily Hanford, American RadioWorks, Oct. 29, 2009
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Smart start for kids
By Lori Yount
A unique early-childhood program is helping low-income students enter Wichita-area schools prepared to learn, according to data released by the Opportunity Project, or TOP.
The Witchita Eagle (KS) Oct. 16, 2009
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Toledo preschool puts tykes in touch with nature
By Janet Romaker
With its focus on getting children outside as often as possible to see, smell and touch their world, the preschool's theme easily could be "no child left inside," tying in neatly with the Toledo Zoo's goal to reconnect children with nature.
The Columbus Dispatch Oct. 4, 2009
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It's never too young to learn, advocates say
By Diane D'Amico
As research continues to show how rapidly the brain develops, the definition of early childhood learning is expanding to include newborns and toddlers.
The Press of Atlantic City, Sept. 27, 2009
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Out of fields, into class for migrant kids
Elizabeth Pineda climbs out from bed, her 4-year-old son Adrian asleep nearby. It's a story repeated in migrant families across the United States: A chain of labor that stretches from one generation to the next. Private childcare is too expensive for most of these families, and the alternatives are limited. In this farming town in Fla., two Head Start centers have opened in the last year. And with a $26 million boost for Early Head Start in federal stimulus funds and separate $10 million expansion, nonprofit organizations around the country are hoping to expand enrollment of migrant infants and toddlers by thousands more. Christine Armario, The Associated Press, Sept. 29, 2009
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Initiative Focuses on Early Learning Programs
By Sam Dillon
The initiative, the Early Learning Challenge Fund, would channel $8 billion over eight years to states with plans to improve standards, training and oversight of programs serving infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
The New York Times Sept. 19, 2009
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Harlem program singled out as model
By Robin Shulman
Geoffrey Canada's nonprofit has created a web of programs that begin before birth, end with college graduation and reach almost every child growing up in 97 blocks carved out of the struggling central Harlem neighborhood.
The Washington Post Aug. 2, 2009
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Chile Starts Early
By Jimmy Langman
For more than three years now, Chile has been building new preschools at the astounding rate of 2.5 a day, increasing the country's total from 781 to 4,300.
Newsweek Aug. 1, 2009
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IQ: Overrated
By Jonah Lehrer
James J. Heckman, an economist at the University of Chicago, has recently demonstrated that, rather than boost intelligence, the Perry Preschool led to permanent improvements in various personality traits, such as self-control and grit. He argues that it’s time policy makers stop fixating on academic test scores and instead devote resources to improving these attributes.
The Boston Globe Aug. 2, 2009
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Study: Depression Seen in Children as Young as 3
The Associated Press
The study is billed as the first to show major depression can be chronic even in very young children, contrary to the stereotype of the happy-go-lucky preschooler.
The New York Times Aug. 3, 2009
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Early education reduces risky behaviors
Researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health have found that early education reduces health behavioral risk factors by enhancing educational attainment, health insurance coverage, income, and family environments.
The Cherry Creek News (CO) July 22, 2009
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New Camden pre-K program keeps young minds sharp
By Robert Kelly-Goss
Called More at Four, the program gives children basic skills while caring for them during the workday. The children are schooled in numbers, shapes, the alphabet, how to spell their names, things like that. Daily Advance (NC), July 7, 2009
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Early education's top model: Finland
By Marina Jimenez
Finland's primary education system has been the envy of the Western world ever since the country's 15-year-olds began acing international literacy, mathematics and science assessment tests several years ago. The Globe and Mail June 19, 2009
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Colorado child-care costs high
By Allison Sherry
Child care in Colorado is among the most expensive in the nation, with the average price for two kids costing more than most people's mortgage, according to a report. The Denver Post June 16, 2009
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No one sure if aid helped kids learn
By Nancy Badertscher
State auditors say they are unable to evaluate how effective Georgia's pre-k program has been. The problem, they said, is "the program does not track how well children served through the program actually perform in kindergarten." Atlanta Journal-Constitution June 19, 2009
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The Push for Preschool
By Nelson Hernandez
Preschool, which includes various programs for children ages 2 to 4, is less closely associated with public education, and its availability in public schools varies from state to state. In addition, some parents are reluctant to place very young children in a school setting. Over the past few decades, however, states have ramped up spending on preschool, particularly pre-K for 4-year-olds.
The Washington Post, June 8, 2009
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Shakira's Children
By Scott Malcomson
Last October, on the plane from Miami to San Salvador, Shakira stared into her MacBook, pondering.The next morning, she was to give a speech on the importance of early-childhood development to an Ibero-American summit meeting that would gather most of the heads of state of Latin America as well as the prime minister and king of Spain, the prime minister of Portugal and a select group of somewhat lesser dignitaries.
New York Times Magazine June 2, 2009
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Generals: Youths unfit for military
By Bill O'Boyle
The group will release a new report called, “Ready, Willing, and Unable to Serve,” showing that children who benefit from high-quality early education are significantly more likely to finish high school, stay away from crime and enter the workforce with many options, including a career in the military.
The Times Leader June 3, 2009
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Study urges state to invest more in early childhood education programs
By Canan Tasci
Concluding study suggests the state focus its improvement and expansion efforts on making sure that high-quality services reach the children who can benefit the most, including 4-year-olds with family income up to 240 percent of the poverty level and 3-year-olds from families with incomes below the poverty level.
The Pasadena Star-News May 28, 2009
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It's Not That Kids Need Preschool--but It Can Help
When researchers add high quality to the preschool equation, the research is more compelling. High-quality programs have low child-to-adult ratios, small classes and trained teachers who interact often, in a positive, sensitive and stimulating way, with children.
The Wall Street Journal - Sue Shellenbarger, 1/21/2009
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Program Reforms Unruly Children
A mental health non-profit’s pilot program in Akron, Ohioshows day care staff and teachers an array of techniques for dealing with children with neurological problems or behavioral difficulties—and the results are far reaching.
Akron Beacon Journal, 1/11/2009
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The Jury’s Out on Pre-K
A columnist in Tennessee questions why the governor is still willing to commit millions of dollars to early childhood programs and not more for colleges. Joe Sullivan, Metro Pulse, Dec. 31, 2008
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Obama Pledge Stirs Hope in Early Education
by Sam Dillon
After years of what they call backhanded treatment by the Bush administration, whose focus has been on the testing of older children, many advocates are atremble with anticipation over Mr. Obama's espousal of early childhood education.
The New York Times, 12/17/2008
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Is full-day preschool a good start, or too much, too soon for kids?
by Barbara Williams
Talk to almost any educator, and they conclude that the benefits of full-day preschool are enormous. However, opponents say pressing academics on preschoolers can be a case of too much, too soon for children still developing their attention span and mental and physical stamina.
The Record, 12/12/2008
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Preschool program gains support
by Brandon Larrabee
A movement to expand Georgia's preschool program and boost its funding is growing, attracting support from lawmakers, child-care providers, children's advocates and even curious attorneys.
Morris News Service, 11/3/2008
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Praise for pre-K; harsher words for testing
by Ryan Blackburn
Across Georgia, more than 75,000 students were enrolled in pre-K at the beginning of 2007, about 27 percent of all 3- and 4-year-olds, according to the Southern Education Foundation, an organization that works to improve education policy.
Athens Banner-Herald, 10/18/2008
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Grant may help lessen Delaware's preschool expulsions
The grant, which comes from the Center for Mental Health Services in the U.S. Department of Health and Social Services, will be used to work with parents and their children who have been identified as having serious emotional disturbances.
The News Journal - Edward Kenney, 9/26/2008
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Costs for child care skyrocket
by Ginnie Graham
Jennifer Wiebe shakes her head and sighs when she talks about what she is paying for child care.About five years ago, she and her husband paid around $450 a month at a center to care for their older child. That center now charges more than $700 a month and does not have infant availability. Within a decade, costs for child care have gone up by about 33 percent with skyrocketing increases for infant and toddler care of up to 55 percent, according to a Tulsa World analysis of tuition in the Tulsa and Oklahoma City metro areas.
Tulsa World Newspaper, 9/14/2008
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A Consensus About Day Care: Quality Counts
by Roni Caryn Rabin
The consensus of most child development specialists is that participation in day care and preschool programs is associated with improving children's pre-academic skills, language and memory; preparing them for kindergarten; and giving them an edge that persists through elementary school.
The New York Times, 9/14/2008
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"Dallas study shows benefits of early childhood education"
Researchers found that students in the Dallas school district who had received services from certain early childhood education programs outperformed their classmates from similar backgrounds, officials said.
Star-Telegram - Jessamy Brown, 9/4/2008
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Long Division: The Debate Over the Value of Preschool
Ina study, researchers in England found that the benefits of attending a good preschool,including improved mathematic and reading ability and social skills, can last for several years and give children a leg up when they enter elementary school.
The Wall Street Journal - Gautam Naik, 8/29/2008
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A Plan to Test the City's Youngest Pupils
by Elissa Gootman
The Bloomberg administration, which has made accountability the watchword of its overhaul of New York City's public education, is asking elementary school principals across the city to give standardized tests in English and math to children as young as kindergartners.
The New York Times, 8/27/2008
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Family move reveals differences in early education
by Nancy Zuckerbrod
Britain has a national curriculum with specific goals, and schools there are rigorously inspected and evaluated. Most kids enter school at 4, instead of 5 as is the case here, and pre-kindergarten programs tend to be more academic than in the United States.
The Examiner, 8/9/2008
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Doubts Linger on Pre-K-8 Strategy
Schools Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee has decided to expand the District's investment in schools with pre-K through eighth grade, making it a major element in the program of school closures and consolidations she launched last month. She cites research showing that students in pre-K-8 schools score higher on standardized tests and other benefits. But Rhee's plan is facing some resistance from city leaders who say there isn't enough evidence to support her strategy for schools.
The Washington Post - Bill Turque, 7/22/2008
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"Early learning pays off"
Students who took part in a Henry County, Va., preschool program earned higher test scores than their peers, according to a report presented to the school board.
Martinsville Bulletin, 6/12/2008
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Project aims to give low-income Dallas toddlers an educational boost
by Staci Hupp
Preschool is moving to the potty-training set. Toddlers are shaping up to be the next generation of preschoolers, a pattern fueled by fears that poor children aren't ready to learn when their first school bell rings. University of Texas researchers say the answer is to start younger. They are using a $6 million federal grant to test out preschool for poor 2- and 3-year-olds in Houston and Tallahassee, Fla., day-care centers.
Dallas Morning News, 5/19/2008
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State funding helps fuel preschool boom
by Greg Toppo
The past 20 years have seen a quiet but steady rise in the number of children in preschool. The most recent federal statistics show that more than 1 million children were enrolled in public programs in 2005, up 63% from 1995.
USA Today, 5/11/2008
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Atlanta parents camp out for coveted pre-k spots
by Laura Diamond
It was just after midnight Monday when Jackie and Michael Cottrell parked their 40-foot motor home across the street from Mary Lin Elementary School. Their plan was simple: Camp out to make sure Skyler gets into the highly coveted pre-k program at the school in Atlanta's Candler Park. Even if that meant spending three days and three nights in the camper until registration begins Thursday.
Atlanta Journal Constitution, 4/29/2008
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