Alabama
"Pre-K teacher shortage could be acute here""
by Dana Hull
A potential shortage of pre-kindergarten teachers could be felt more acutely in Mobile and Baldwin counties, two of the state's largest school systems, compared with other areas of the state, based on the number of graduates from two local universities.
Press Register, 1/25/2008
Riley's Pre-K Plan Endorsed, but Opposition Says Timing Wrong
Gov. Bob Riley's plan to expand Alabama's small pre-kindergarten program picked up endorsements Wednesday from two groups that teach 4-year-olds, but it faces problems in the Legislature, where lawmakers likely will have to cut the budget for public education.The Associated Press, 1/17/2008
"Alabama preschool ranks top, bottom"
Alabama was one of two states receiving the top score for the quality of its preschool programs in a report by the National Institute for Early Education Research. But in the same study, Alabama finished near the bottom of another list because only 1,080 4-year-olds are actually enrolled in state-funded pre-kindergarten.
Mobile Press-Register, 3/22/2007
Alaska
"Group calls for bolstering Alaska preschool opportunities"
Educators, business leaders and parents called
for Alaska to create a preschool system that will
get young children excited about learning.
Associated Press, 9/28/2006
Arkansas
"Pre-K Programs Prove Popular in Local Districts"
Georgia Sanders, site administrator at Pine Bluff's Carver Elementary School, said the program there is in high demand. "We have people all the time trying to falsify their addresses to get their children into it," she said.
Pine Bluff Commercial, 7/01/2006
Arizona
"Poll: Most instate back all-day kindergarten"
by Jahna Berry
Most Arizona voters seem agree with the importance of all-day kindergarten. A poll conducted by The Arizona Republic in December indicates that 64 percent of registered voters would support increased funding for all-day kindergarten, compared with only 32 percent who would oppose it.
The Arizona Republic, 1/3/2006
California
"State Short of Space in Preschool"
by Kimberly S. Wetzel
One in five California 4-year-olds may not get the chance to attend preschool because of a lack of classroom space, according to a report released Thursday by a national nonprofit organization.
Contra Costa Times, 02/16/2007
"For preschool supporters, time to plot new course"
by Laura Rosenhall
Advocates for Proposition 82 -- which would have created three hours a day of free preschool for all California 4-year-olds by increasing taxes on incomes above $400,000 a year -- vowed to continue the fight. But they acknowledged they need a different approach to expand the scope and quality of publicly funded preschool.
Sacramento Bee, 06/08/06
"Voters reject Prop 82"
by Dana Hull
California voters soundly rejected Proposition 82, crushing the hopes of early childhood education advocates who hoped to make universal preschool public policy in the nation's most populous state.
San Jose Mercury News, 6/07/06
"Pro-preschool campaign well ahead in fundraising"
by Dana Hull
The campaign for California's Proposition 82, the Preschool for All Act, has raised 10 times as much money as the "No on 82" campaign, according to an analysis of campaign finance records. Proposition 82, which would offer a free year of half-day preschool to any 4-year-old in the state, is slated to go before voters June 6. Dana
Hull was a fellow at EWA's Education Research and Statistics Bootcamp, held in early March.
San Jose Mercury News, 3/25/06
"Many Kids Priced Out of Preschool"
by Dana Hull
While California's poorest families qualify for the federal Head Start program or a state-funded preschool program, many working and middle-class families find that preschool is unaffordable -- or very nearly so. And a study of private preschool costs released Wednesday shows that Bay Area preschool costs are the highest in the state.
San Jose Mercury News, 3/8/06
"State preschool makes Christian educators skittish"
by Jenny Brown
There's little debate that more children would benefit from the preschool experience, but there are still questions about how the Preschool for All program will affect faith-based programs.
Southern California Christian, 02/01/2006
"State's preschool ads play politics, critics say"
by Kevin Yamamura
Two television advertisements tell Californians that children who go to preschool are more likely to graduate from college. Those in charge of the state-funded $18 million media campaign say the ads are little more than public service announcements. But to opponents, the ads feel more like political advocacy.
The Sacramento Bee, 12/19/2005
"Report Touts Advantages of Preschool"
by Wendy Thermos
Los Angeles County would have about 3,300 fewer high school dropouts annually and nearly 10,000 fewer criminal cases filed against juveniles each year if publicly funded preschool were available in California, according to a new report from the Rand Corp.
Los Angeles Times, 12/15/2005
"State chamber won't back preschool ballot"
by Jill Tucker
The California Chamber of Commerce supports preschool, but it won't be backing a June ballot measure to pay for it through an income tax hike on wealthy residents.
Tri-Valley Herald, 12/03/2005
"Preschool for All headed for June '06 ballot"
by Bonnie Eslinger
Actor and activist Rob Reiner, the driving force behind a plan for free public preschool in California, filed paperwork to place the Preschool for All Act on the ballot for next June. The $2 billion preschool plan would be paid for by taxing the top 1 percent of state taxpayers, those who make more than $400,000 a year.
San Francisco Examiner, 6/19/2005
Colorado
Outreach to recruit Denver pre-schoolers
by Daniel Chacon
A $1 million community outreach campaign begun Thursday aims to get more parents to enroll their
kids in the city's preschool program.
Rocky Mountain News, 4/28/2008
"Mejia named CEO of Denver Preschool Program "
by Daniel J. Chacon
James Mejia is going from building Denver's jail to building a city with educated kids. Mejia, who has been overseeing the Denver Justice Center project for the last three years, has been selected as chief executive officer of the Denver Preschool Program.
The Rocky Mountain News, 10/11/2007
Connecticut
"Report: Add new preschool seats, bolster teaching skills"
by Associated Press
The report [from the Governor's Early Childhood Research and Policy Council] recommends adding 13,000 new preschool seats in accredited programs through the 2012 budget year to better prepare children for kindergarten.
Hartford Courtant 12/7/2006
Florida
"173 area pre-K programs show poor scores"
by Nirvi Shah
The state rated 173 Broward and Miami-Dade County preschools that offer free prekindergarten with scores lower than last year's passing score, the state Department of Education said Monday.
Miami Herald,2/19/2008
"Cuts in Pre-K Spending Debated"
Florida created a category for itself when it became the only state in the country to cut funding from its prekindergarten budget.
Tallahassee Democrat, 9/26//2007
"Crist: Pre-K teachers need degrees"
by Anna Scott
Gov. Charlie Crist and children's advocates have called on lawmakers to mandate college degrees for pre-kindergarten teachers by 2013. Of the 37 states with free pre-kindergarten programs, 22 require teachers to have a four-year degree. Florida currently requires an associate's degree.
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, 4/10/2007
"State Pre-K Program Under Fire"
by Jeffrey S. Solochek
These days, pre-K advocates from across the nation are calling Florida the example to avoid. Instead of the "high-quality" program promised to voters, state lawmakers opted for lax teacher requirements and inadequate funding, early childhood experts said.
St. Petersburg Times, 10/25/2006
"Kindergarten tests to gauge pre-K success"
by Sonja Isger
The tests they'll take, which won't require a No. 2 pencil, will be over in minutes. The scores they'll get will be used to rate not the students but the pre-k schools they attended. Still, the tests have raised the eyebrows of education experts across the country who believe they're a bad idea. State officials counter that the tests are key to guaranteeing that children come to kindergarten well-prepared.
Palm Beach Post, 09/17/2006
"Preschool learning registers innovative progress"
by Stephanie Garry
Among the major accomplishments: More than 14,000 Miami-Dade children have signed up for the second year of the state-subsidized Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program; The Children's Trust, fueled by $70 million in Miami-Dade property taxes, was established; and the number of accredited child-care centers in Miami-Dade has gone from 17 to 346.
Miami Herald, 08/08/2006
"State to test for success of pre-K"
by Jeff Solochek
Now that a year's worth of 4-year-olds have completed prekindergarten, Florida wants to find out if its state-funded program prepared the youngsters for school. Experts, however, are questioning whether the state can do a meaningful assessment.
St. Petersburg Times, 07/26/2006
"Pre-K programs on a learning curve"
by Jenny Staletovich
Four years ago when voters approved the state's universal pre-kindergarten program, it was envisioned as way to give all kids a leg up on the increasingly demanding rigors of kindergarten. But, as the program enters its
second year, parents and preschools are complaining.
Miami Herald, 07/16/2006
"Smooth start for pre-K classes eases jitters on 1st day"
by Cheryl N. Schmidt
Staff at Hillsborough and Pasco counties' public and private schools can probably relax about the state's new voluntary prekindergarten program. The reports from the program's first day in Pinellas and Polk counties Wednesday: "All smooth."
Tampa Tribune, 8/5/2005
"Preschools Feeling the Pre-K Pressure"
by Christina Denardo
As hundreds of local families sign up for Florida's new preschool program, the businesses that could provide the space and curriculum are still waiting for the state to come up with a more detailed plan. The only thing providers are certain about is that if they don't participate in the state program, there's a good chance parents will put their children in preschools that do.
Sarasota Herald Tribune, 3/1/2005
Georgia
State recruiting pre-K providers
Special to the Courier
Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning is looking for eligible providers to serve children and families in Liberty County in Georgia's Pre-K Program site.
Coastal Courier, 3/4/2008
Hawaii
Hawaii lawmakers push keiki education
by Loren Moren
Hawai'i is about to take the first step toward greater state involvement in the education of preschool children.With milestone legislation poised for passage, Hawaii is expected to join a growing list of states that have established some form of an early childhood education system.
Honolulu Advertiser, 4/28/2008
Preschool touted as vital for poor kids
by Alexandre Da Silva
The findings and recommendations of the report,"School Readiness in Hawaii, " mirror those listed in a legislative proposal calling for affordable, quality preschool for all children in Hawaii.... Four in every 10 children in Hawaii enter the public school system without attending preschool, causing them to immediately fall behind and require extra help, advocates for the bill say. They also say that only 26 percent of fourth-graders in the state currently read at their grade level.
Honolulu Advertiser, 2/11/2008
"Ready, set, kindergarten"
by Beverly Creamer
With a new school year just around the corner, there could be as many as 6,000 new kindergarten students who haven't attended preschool, Head Start, parent-participation preschools or other home-to-school transition programs that help prepare children for a successful school experience, according to Hawaii early childhood experts.
Honolulu Advertiser, 4/28/2008
"State adds $5 million to get more kids in preschool"
by Derrick DePledge
The Lingle administration will spend an additional $5 million each year to help low- and middle-income parents afford preschool for their children, but right now, there are not enough preschool slots available to handle the expected demand.
Honolulu Advertiser, 5/16/2005
Idaho
"Idaho Lawmakers Take on Preschool Funding, Again"
by Anne Wallace Allen
Idaho law prohibits school districts from spending money on preschool. Lawmakers have tried unsuccessfully to change that prohibition over the years.
Associated Press, 05/08/2006
"Experts fault Idaho's failure to fund preschool"
by Anna Webb
Idaho is one of just nine states that offers no state-financed programs to get 3- and 4-year-olds ready for learning by kindergarten. In fact, state law prohibits Idaho from paying for programs that educate children under 5.
Idaho Statesman, 11/06/2005
Illinois
Early education takes hit in budget
By Adriana Colindres
Education advocates, especially those who deal with Illinois’ youngest residents, are trying to figure out how to cope with millions of dollars in spending cuts that the State Board of Education grudgingly approved a few days ago.
The State Journal-Register (IL) July 26, 2009
"Preschool for some now; will all pay later?"
by Eric Krol
Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed into law his much-hyped "Preschool for All," billing the move as "groundbreaking" by making Illinois the first state in the nation to offer preschool to all 3- and 4-year-olds. The program doesn't do that
immediately - only 10,000 more children, mostly 4-year-olds, will get state-subsidized preschool this fall, with no funding guarantees beyond the upcoming school year.
Daily Herald (IL), 07/26/2006
"Residents not sold on state preschool"
by Kate Thayer
Governor Rod Blagojevich proposes $135 million over three years to fund early childhood education grants. Kane County residents voice opposition to his proposal, citing existing needs in elementary and secondary schools.
Kane County Chronicle, 2/16/2006
Iowa
"Vilsack calls legislation for preschools 'a start'"
by Thomas Beaumont and Tim Higgins
Legislation signed by Gov. Tom Vilsack opens the
door to expanded early childhood education in Iowa but will require months of public explanation, as the state moves toward a rating system for preschools and child care centers.
Des Moines Register, 6/7/2005
"Lawmakers strike agreement on preschool tax credit"
by Thomas Beaumont and Tim Higgins
Lawmakers struck agreement on a new income tax credit to help parents pay for preschool programs
as budget negotiations continued to drag out this year's session.
Associated Press, 5/11/2005
Kentucky
"Expanded pre-school plan touted"
by Victoria Marty
"Local educators think a plan to expand pre-school education to all local 4-year-olds has strong potential - for many reasons. For Deanna Vandiver, a kindergarten teacher...it comes in the way that new kindergarten students who have had some preparatory education already know how to hold a book and how to turn a page. Also helpful is how some preschool students know their colors and shapes before they even sit down for their first day of regular school.
Evansville Courier & Press, 11/11/2007
Massachusetts
"Universal preschool hailed"
by Marla A. Goldberg
Many legislators and educators across Massachusetts are joined in the belief that universal pre-kindergarten could yield benefits for the state's children. But a major question looms: where will the money come from to pay for it? ...An estimate from Northeastern [University]...set a price of $600 million annually for Massachusetts to make high-quality pre-kindergarten available to all 3- and 4-year-olds, or about $3,000 per child, in addition to existing subsidies.
The Republican,11/12/2007
"Pre-K backers plan bill's revival in 2007"
by Jacqueline Reis
The governor vetoed "An Act Relative to Early Education and Care," saying the state should wait
for the results of a new pilot program before taking further action.
Worcester Telegram, 08/08/2006
Michigan
Deficit fight may hit preschool programs hardest
By Karen Bouffard
Children would be among the hardest hit by budget cuts to early childhood programs that are proposed to close Michigan's yawning deficit. The cuts could have long-term effects on child health and educational development.
The Detroit News July 27, 2009
"Bills call for 4-year-olds to get free preschool"
by Chad Selweski
Free preschool for all of Michigan's 140,000 4-year-olds would be provided at a cost of $400 million, under legislation introduced by state House Democrats.
Macomb Daily, 10/8/2005
Missouri
"Kansas leads push to expand pre-K education"
by Jim Sullinger
If Kansas lawmakers approve Sebelius’ proposal during a short wrap-up session that begins today,
they would almost double the amount the state spends now. Budget concerns have the put those
dollars at risk, but the governor remains convinced of the need.
Kansas City Star, 4/30/20083/22/2007
Montana
"State looking at possible pre-kindergarten programs"
by Rob Chaney
Montana is one of 10 states that offer no state-funded pre-kindergarten programs, according
to a review by Pre-K Now, a national nonprofit organization advocating for early childhood
education. That status may change soon.
The Missoulian, 08/07/2006
New Jersey
"Lessons in Waste"
by Jean Rimbach and Kathleen Carroll
Seven years after New Jersey launched its landmark program for disadvantaged preschoolers-- with $561 million budgeted this year alone-- the state continues to send tax dollars to programs that have flagrantly misspent or wasted money.
The Record, 04/09/2006
New Mexico
"Schools receive pre-K funding"
by Argen Duncan
The Socorro Consolidated Schools district in Socorro County got about $116,000 for one year from Gov. Bill Richardson's pre-kindergarten initiative, which the legislature began funding last year, said Janice Argabright, director of bilingual, special education and support services.
El Defensor Chieftan, 06/28/2006
New York
"Preparing Hispanic Parents and Children for School"
by Valerie Cotsalas
Starting school is a considerable challenge for any child, and language barriers make it even more difficult.
The New York Times, 09/07/2006
Web Site Aims To Help Parents with Preschool
by Deborah Kolben
In an effort to take matters into their own hands, a group of mothers has started a Zagat-like Web site that rates school programs on everything from storybook reading to kindergarten placement rates.
The New York Sun, 05/26/2006
"Regents may drop school age to 5"
by Cara Matthews
Although most New York state children start public school at age 5, their attendance isn't required and school districts aren't obligated to offer kindergarten. But that could change with a proposal the state Board of Regents will consider when it meets today and Tuesday.
Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, 1/9/2006
North Carolina
"Public Pre-K Push Swells in Carolinas"
by Deborah Hirsch
Public pre-kindergarten programs in the Carolinas can't expand fast enough for parents. More than
1,500 students are waiting to get into Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools' pre-K, and the N.C. Department of Education estimates waiting lists statewide include 3,400 kids considered at risk of falling behind in school.
The Charlotte Observer, 12/06/2005
Ohio
"Early Learning Initiative Short of Its Goal"
by Scott Stephens
An 18-month-old state program for low-income preschoolers is struggling to reach the children
it was designed to serve. The program had enrolled 9,361 youngsters as of December - more
than the 7,600 enrolled this time last year - but is still far from providing crucial preschool
services to the children who need it the most. In fact, 12 of Ohio's 88 counties still lack an
Early Learning Initiative program.
Cleveland Plain Dealer, 2/5/2007
"Preschool proposal: Pay less, get more"
by Susan Glaser
Parents of preschoolers will pay less and get much more - better-educated teachers and lower
child-teacher ratios - under a broad proposal to improve the quality and affordability of early
childhood education in Cuyahoga County.
Cleveland Plain Dealer, 10/24/2006
Oregon
"Early education confronts great divide"
by Sarah Evans
A shortage of highly educated pre-kindergarten teachers is a problem nationwide, not just in
Oregon, and it worries experts who say that the early years are crucial to a child's beginning
academic and emotional development.
Statesman Journal, 04/17/2006
Rhode Island
R.I. to offer its first public pre-K program
By Jennifer D. Jordan
In September, the state will open four to six pilot pre-kindergarten classrooms that will serve between 72 and 108 four-year-olds in urban communities. Officials say that the best-known approaches and qualified teachers will be used in these demonstration classrooms.
The Providence Journal July 27, 2009
South Carolina
"4-K funds bring both possibility, challenge"
by Staff
The mandate is clear. About 2,000 at-risk 4-year-olds in 36 S.C. counties must receive state-funded preschool to be ready for school. But how those counties - which all sued the state over school funding more than a decade ago - will fulfill that $23.5 million legislative mandate beginning this fall is unclear.
The State, 07/24/2006
"Study shows pre-K helps S.C. children"
by Shireese M. Bell
The National Institute for Early Education Research at Rutgers University found that South
Carolina's pre-kindergarten programs improve language and literacy abilities for 4-year-olds,
and Pee Dee pre-K program officials agree.
Morning News, 12/06/2005
South Dakota
Preschool definition allowed to stand
By Bob Mercer, American News
The Legislature's rules review committee struggled Tuesday whether to allow the state Board of Education to define preschool in the regulations that govern South Dakota's public schools. June 9, 2010
Tennessee
"Demand for pre-k outpacing supply"
by Beverly A. Carroll
As Tennessee's prekindergarten program expands to meet growing demand, state education officials
are encouraging more school districts to partner with private agencies to provide services.
Chattanooga Times & Free Press, 02/15/2007
"State to add 300 pre-K classes"
by Claudette Riley
Educators in 106 Tennessee school systems will have funding for a total of 300 new pre-K classes
with approval of the governor's 2005-06 budget.
The Tennessean, 8/5/2005
"Governor Uses Visit to Pitch Preschool Program"
by Jack McMillan
Mt. Pleasant Elementary in Tennessee has participated in a pilot statewide preschool project since 2001, and Gov. Bredesen acknowledged the success the program has had in helping the students prepare for kindergarten.
Columbia Daily Herald, 3/9/2005
Virginia
"Pitching for preschool, with eye on future"
by Kirstin Downey
For Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D), improving access to preschool is a signature issue. In 2005, he
ran for the office on a platform that pledged to provide universal access to preschool for the
state's 100,000 4-year-olds. Fiscal realities, however, have collided with that $300
million-a-year plan, and Kaine is now pushing ahead with a scaled-back proposal that would
enroll about 17,000 more children from low-income families, at a cost of about $125 million.The Washington Post, 10/25/2007
"The Pre-School Question: Who Gets to Go?"
by Maria Glod
Four- and 5-year-olds are at the center of a debate, underscored last week in a Virginia
policy shift, over whether the government should offer preschool to all children or concentrate on
those from poor families. After campaigning in 2005 to offer free preschool to every 4-year-old
in Virginia regardless of family income, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) scaled back his plan last
week and said he would focus resources on the neediest children.
The Washington Post, 08/22/2007
"State considers pre-K classes to help youths"
by Christina M. Mitchell
Preschool education soon might change under an initiative outlined by Virginia Secretary of
Education Thomas Morris. Morris and other members of Gov. Tim Kaine's Strong Start Council are
working on a plan to establish a voluntary, universal pre-kindergarten system for all 4-year-olds.
The News Leader, 09/29/2006
"Virginia Plans Pilot Program for Universal Preschool Next Fall"
by Maria Glod
Publicly funded preschool is offered to about 27,000 disadvantaged Virginia children. But [Gov.
Tim Kaine] wants to open it up to any of the state's 100,000 4-year-olds whose parents want
them to attend, regardless of family income.
The Washington Post, 12/7/2006
Washington
"All-day school moves down to younger set"
by Tara M. Manthey
Many preschools and Head Start programs operate for three to four hours a day, but recent studies
have shown an all-day, high-quality preschool can help at-risk children better prepare for school.
It's also a lot easier on working families.
The News Tribune, 7/18/2006
"Gregoire unveils preschool initiative"
by Donna Gordon Blakenship
Finding a link between a lack of quality preschool education in Washington and the state's
30 percent high school dropout rate, Gov. Chris Gregoire announced the beginning of a new
public-private partnership to support learning for all children under 5.
Associated Press, 7/01/2006
"Preschoolers bear brunt of income struggles"
by Deborah Bach
Kincaid is among thousands of parents statewide who fall into the child care gap, making too much money to qualify for subsidized care but not enough to easily afford high-quality care. Such high-quality early education, experts increasingly emphasize, is critical to ensure that children start kindergarten on a developmental par with their peers.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 04/22/2006
West Virginia
"Prekindergarten programs growing throughout state"
by Jessica M. Karmasek
West Virginia is well ahead of its goal of establishing public preschools for all 4-year-olds, state education officials say.
Charleston Daily Mail, 04/24/2006
Wisconsin
"Plan would extend vouchers to 4-year-old kindergarten"
by Tom Sheehan
School boards alone no longer would control where publicly funded 4-year-old kindergarten is offered in Wisconsin under a voucher program proposed by Wisconsin Child Care Administrators Association.
La Crosse Tribune, 08/23/2006
"Task Force considers merits of kindergarten for 4-year-olds"
by Tom Sheehan
It's "fair to say" the debate over four-year-old kindergarten is shifting from whether it should be offered to the best way to run it, said Wisconsin state Rep. Debi Towns, who heads the state assembly's task force on the issue. Towns said she would like to see more study about parochial and private schools offering four-year-old kindergarten without public school involvement.
La Crosse Tribune, 07/07/2006
Wyoming
"Pre-K Profile in School Finance Cases Grows"
by Linda Jacobson
Wyoming is just one of a growing number of states where those involved in school finance litigation are arguing that the state has an obligation to provide preschool for disadvantaged children.
Education Week, 10/05/2005
Alabama
Alabama Association for Young Children
Alabama Office of School Readiness
(334) 223-0502
Alabama Head Start State Collaboration Office
(334) 223-0502
Alaska
Alaska Association for the Education of Young Children
(907) 789-1235
Alaska Head Start State Collaboration Office
Department of Education & Early Development
(907) 465-4862
Arizona
Arizona State School Readiness Board
Arizona Early Childhood Block Grant
Governor's Division for Children
(602) 542-6005
Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children
Darcy Olsen
Goldwater Institute
(602) 462-5000
Arkansas
Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families
(501) 371-9678
Arkansas Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education
Arkansas Head Start Association
(501) 371-0740
California
California Department of Education Child Care and Development Programs
California Children and Families Commission (First 5 California)
California Association for the Education of Young Children
Preschool California
Child Development Policy Institute
California Head Start State Collaboration Office
(916) 446-7349
Colorado
The Colorado Children's Campaign
(303) 839-1580
Colorado Department of Education Early Childhood Initiatives
Educare Colorado and Qualistar Early Learning
Head Start State Collaboration
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
(303) 866-6362
Colorado Association for the Education of Young Children
Connecticut
Connecticut Association for the Education of Young Children
Connecticut Head Start State Collaboration Office
(860) 424-5066
William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund
(203) 230-3330
Delaware
Delaware Association for the Education of Young Children
Delaware Head Start-State Collaboration Office
(302) 739-4667 x3131
Delaware Department of Education Early Childhood Assistance Program
(302) 739-4667
District of Columbia
District of Columbia Head Start State Collaboration Office
Office of Early Childhood Education
(202) 727-8113
Generations United(working with Children's Campaign of Florida)
(202) 289-3979
Office of Early Childhood Development
D.C. Department of Human Services
(202) 727-1839
District of Columbia Public Schools Head Start and Pre-K Programs
(202) 698-1033
Florida
Generations United
(202) 289-3979
Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten Program
(850) 921-3180
The Children's Campaign, Inc.
(850) 425-2600, ext. 304
Early Childhood Association of Florida
The Early Childhood Initiative Foundation
(305) 646-7229
Florida Head Start State Collaboration Office
(850) 921-3186
Georgia
Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning
(404) 656-5957
Georgia Head Start State Collaboration Office
(404) 656-5957
Georgia Association on Young Children
Gary T. Henry
Professor of Public Administration
(404) 651-2343
Hawaii
Good Beginnings Alliance(808) 581-5502
Hawaii Association for the Education of Young Children
Hawaii Head Start State Collaboration Office
(808) 586-5240
Idaho
Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children
Idaho Head Start State Collaboration Office
(208) 334-4919
Illinois
Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children
Voices for Illinois Children
(312) 456-0600
Illinois Head Start State Collaboration Office
(618) 583-2083
Illinois Department of Education-Early Childhood Block Grant Program
Illinois Head Start State Collaboration Office
(618) 583-2083
Ounce of Prevention Fund
(312) 922-3863
Voices for Illinois Children
(312) 456-0600
Indiana
Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children
Indiana Head Start State Collaboration Office
(317) 233-6837
Iowa
Child and Family Policy Center
(515) 280-9027
Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children
Iowa Head Start State Collaboration Office
Iowa Department of Education
Bureau of Children, Families, and Community Services
(515) 242-6024
Urban Education Network of Iowa
(515) 242-7955
Iowa Department of Education Child Development Coordinating Council
Kansas
Greater Kansas City Community Foundation
(816) 842-0944
Kansas Association for the Education of Young Children
Kansas Head Start State Collaboration Office
(785) 368-6354
Metropolitan Council on Early Learning
(816) 474-4240
Kentucky
Kentucky Association for Early Childhood Education
Kentucky Head Start Collaboration Office
(502) 564-8341
Kentucky Preschool Program
(502) 564-7056
Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence
(859) 233-9849
Louisiana
Louisiana Department of Education-Early Childhood Education Programs
Louisiana Association for the Education of Young Children
Louisiana Head Start State Collaboration Office
(225) 219-4246
Maine
Maine Association for the Education of Young Children
Maine Department of Education
(207) 624-6632
Maine Head Start State Collaboration Office
(207) 287-5060
Maryland
Maryland Department of Education Early Childhood Initiatives
Maryland Head Start Collaboration Office
Maryland State Department of Education
Division of Instruction and Early Learning
(410) 767-0140
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Association for the Education of Young Children
Massachusetts Head Start State Collaboration Office
Office of Child Care Services
(617) 988-6622
Strategies for Children
(617) 330-7382
Michigan
Michigan Department of Education-Early Childhood Education and Family Services
Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children
Michigan Family Independence Agency
(517) 373-4116
Michigan Head Start State Collaboration Office
(517) 241-5091
Minnesota
Minnesota Department of Education Early Learning Services
Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children
Minnesota Department of Education Early Learning Services
(651) 634-2203
Mississippi
Mississippi Head Start Program
(601) 359-5798
Missouri
Missouri Association for the Education of Young Children
Missouri Department of Social Services-Child Care/Early Childhood Services
Missouri Head Start Association
(573) 884-0650
Missouri Preschool Project
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
(573) 751-2095
Quality Assurance/Compliance Officer-YMCA of Metro St. Louis
Head Start/Early Head Start Program
(314) 427-4940
Montana
Montana Association for the Education of Young Children
Montana Head Start State Collaboration Office
(406) 444-0589
Nebraska
Nebraska Department of Education Early Childhood Grant Program
(402) 471-2980
Nebraska Department of Education Office of Early Childhood
(402) 471-3501
Nebraska Association for the Education of Young Children
Nevada
Nevada Association for the Education of Young Children
Nevada Head Start State Collaboration Office
(775) 448-5254
Nevada Classroom on Wheels
(702) 870-7201
New Hampshire
New Hampshire Association for the Education of Young Children
Head Start State Collaboration Office
(603) 271-7190
New Jersey
Association for Children of New Jersey
(973) 643-3876
New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children
New Jersey Head Start State Collaboration Office
(609) 984-5321
New Jersey Department of Education-Office of Early Childhood Education
(609) 777-2074
New Mexico
New Mexico Association for the Education of Young Children
New Mexico Kids
505-827-8409 Phone
505-827-7361 Fax
New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department
(505) 827-7689
Think New Mexico
(505) 992-1315
New Mexico Public Education Department
(505) 827-6561
New Mexico Legislative Education Study Committee
Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 986-4591
New York
Child Care Inc.
(212) 929-7604, ext. 3010
New York Association for the Education of Young Children
New York City Council on Children and Families
(518) 473-8001
Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy
(518) 463-1896, ext. 25
New York State Education Department Statewide Pre-Kindergarten Program
(518) 474-5807
North Carolina
North Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children
More at Four Pre-kindergarten Program
(919) 715-0040
Smart Start and the North Carolina Partnership for Children
(919) 821-7999
Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute
(919) 966-2622
North Carolina Division of Childhood Development
(919) 662-4543
Richard Clifford
Senior Scientist
Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute
919.962.4737
Ohio
Center for Community Solutions
(216) 781-2944, ext. 420
Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children
Ohio Head Start State Collaboration Office
(614) 466-0224
Ohio Department of Education-Office of Early Learning and School Readiness
Oklahoma
Early Childhood Association of Oklahoma
Oklahoma State Department of Education
(405) 521-3346
Oklahoma Head Start State Collaboration Office
(405) 949-1495
The Community Action Project of Tulsa County
(918) 382-3645
Oregon
Oregon Association for the Education of Young Children
Oregon Head Start State Collaboration Office
(503) 378-3600 x2601
Oregon Early Childhood Education
(503) 378-3600
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children
Pennsylvania Early Childhood Education
Pennsylvania Head Start State Collaboration Office
(717) 763-1661
Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children
(717) 236-5680 ext. 105
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Head Start State Collaboration Office
(401) 462-3071
South Carolina
Voices for South Carolina's Children
(803) 256-4670
South Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children
South Carolina Head Start State Collaboration Office
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
(803) 898-2550
South Carolina Department of Early Childhood Education
803-734-8477
South Dakota
South Dakota Association for the Education of Young Children
South Dakota Head Start State Collaboration Office
(605) 773-4640
Tennessee
Tennessee Alliance for Early Education
Tennessee Association for the Education of Young Children
Tennessee Head Start State Collaboration Office
Department of Education
(615) 741-4849
Tennessee Pre-K Pilot Program
Texas
Texas Association for the Education of Young Children
Texas Early Childhood Education Coalition
(512) 476-7939
Texas Head Start State Collaboration Office
(713) 500-3835 or (866) 282-7780
Texas Education Agency-Early Childhood Education Unit
512.463.9581
United Way of Texas
(512) 478-6601
Utah
Utah Association for the Education of Young Children
Utah Head Start State Collaboration Office
Utah Department of Health, Division of Community and Family Health Services
Child, Adolescent and School Health Program (CASH)
(801) 538-9312
Vermont
Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children
http://www.vaeyc.org/
Vermont Department of Early Childhood Education
(802) 828-3892
Vermont Head Start State Collaboration Office
Secretary of The Agency of Human Services
(802) 241-2705
Virginia
Virginia Association for Early Childhood Education
Virginia Head Start State Collaboration Office
(804) 726-7633
Virginia Preschool Initiative
(804)371-7578
Washington
Washington State Early Childhood Services
(360)725-2830
Washington Association for the Education of Young Children
Governor's Head Start State Collaboration Office
Division of Child Care and Early Learning
Department of Social and Health Services
(360) 725-4686
League of Education Voters
(206) 728-6448
West Virginia
West Virginia Association for Young Children
Office of Head Start State Collaboration
(304) 558-4638
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Council on Children and Families
(608) 284-0580, ext. 315
Wisconsin Early Childhood Association
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
(608) 267-9625
Collaborating Partners
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development-Child Care
(608) 261-2137
Wyoming
WIND/Wyoming Head Start State Collaboration Project
(307) 766-2454
Arkansas
"Quality Pre-K Expansion in Arkansas: Lessons Learned"
This report is an in-depth analysis of what occurred during the expansion process of the quality preschool program.
Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, 02/01/2006
California
Changing the Kindergarten Cutoff Date: Effective on California Students and Schools
When is the best time for children to enter kindergarten? In California, children who reach their fifth birthday by the cutoff date of December 2 are allowed to enter in that school year. California’s is one of the latest kindergarten entry cutoff dates in the nation, and it effectively allows California children as young as four years, nine months to enter kindergarten. The issue has been the subject of debate for many years.
The Public Policy Institute of California, 6/18/2008
"Publicly Funded Programs Serving California's Preschool-Age Children"
This study provides a comprehensive assessment of publicly funded ECE programs for preschool-age children — for California as a whole, and for four case-study counties: Los Angles, Merced, San Diego, and San Mateo. California’s system of publicly subsidized ECE programs for preschool-age children has evolved over time into a complex array of mostly targeted programs supported through multiple funding streams.
RAND Corporation, 11/8/2007
"Gaps in School Readiness and Student Achievement in the Early Grades for California's Children"
Despite rising achievement levels in recent years, a substantial percentage of second- and third-graders do not meet state education standards in English-language arts and mathematics.
RAND Corporation, 11/8/2007
"California Early Care and Education Workforce Study"
The overall goal of the study was to collect information on the current characteristics of this workforce - particularly its educational background, and its potential needs for further professional development.
Center for the Study of Child Care Employment and California Child Care Resource and Referral Network, 07/01/2006
"Proposition 82: Preschool Education"
EdSource, 2006
"The Growing Up in Poverty Project"
University of California, Berkeley, Teachers College, and Stanford University
The Economics of Investing in Universal Preschool Education in California"
Rand Corporation, 2005
Delaware
Delaware Early Care and Education Baseline Quality Study"
The overall goal of the study was to determine the current status of quality of all types of early care and education programs in Delaware to serve as a guide for decision-making and policymaking at the state level.
Center for Disabilities Studies, University of Delaware - Michael Gamel-McCormick, Deborah Amsden, 03/01/2005
"Delaware Early Childhood Longitudinal Study"
This report details the outcomes of children enrolled in two different types of early intervention programs serving young children with disabilities and young children living in poverty when compared to their peers. The results are striking and encouraging.
Center for Disabilities Studies, University of Delaware - Michael Gamel-McCormick, Deborah Amsden, 04/01/2002
Georgia
"Report of the Findings from the Early Childhood Study: 2001-02"
Louisiana
"LA 4 and Starting Points Prekindergarten Program Evaluation, 2004-05"
Analyses of LA 4 test scores over past school years reveal significant improvement in the participating students' pre-test and post-test performance.
Louisiana Department of Education, 2004-2005
New Jersey
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
New Mexico
"Implementing the Pre-Kindergarten Act: Progress Report, January 2006"
Within just five months, according to the report, Pre-K is increasing access to voluntary high-quality pre-K programs, supporting appropriate curriculum, expanding early childhood community capacity, and focusing on school readiness.
Children, Youth and Families Department, Public Education Department, Office of the Governor -01/01/2006
North Carolina
The Carolina Abecedarian Project
The Abecedarian project was a carefully controlled scientific study of the potential benefits of early childhood education for poor children. Four cohorts of individuals, born between 1972 and 1977, were randomly assigned as infants to either the early educational intervention group or the control group.
FPG Child Development Institute of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,June 2008
Oklahoma
"The Effects of Universal Pre-K on Cognitive Development"
Georgetown University - William T. Gormley Jr. and Ted Gayer, 2004
"Promoting School Readiness in Oklahoma: An Evaluation of Tulsa's Pre-K Program"
Georgetown University - William T. Gormley Jr. and Ted Gayer, 2003
Tennessee
"Hard Lessons Learned: Applying 40 Years of Government Pre-K to Benefit Tennessee's Children Today"
Gov. Phil Bredesen has argued that universal pre-kindergarten is a "good return on our investment" with each dollar spent yielding dividends many times over." While the governor is right to consider the long-term effects of pre-k expenditures, there is little empirical evidence to demonstrate any lasting educational or socioeconomic benefit of government preschool programs.
Tennessee Center for Policy Research - Darcy Olsen and Drew Johnson, 04/2005
Wisconsin
"Early Education Matters: Lessons Learned"
Although considerable progress has been made, much work remains. More than 180 elementary school districts in Wisconsin do not have any form of public 4K. In addition, state policy changes are needed to remove barriers to implementation and to ensure consistency of quality services for all 4-year-olds.
Wisconsin Council on Children and Families, 07/01/2006
"Chapter PI 34 Teacher Training and Professional Development Re-design"
It is well documented that competent teachers raise the quality of early learning opportunities for young children. Wisconsin needs a cohesive professional development system for all persons who work with young children, according to the report. This system would support teachers serving young children in a variety of programs and settings.
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, 11/01/2004
