Across the country, people are waking up to the fact that investments in universal early education pay off. Will Washington State make a commitment to giving its kids a similarly strong start in the upcoming legislative session? The short answer is: maybe.
Before we get to the longer answer, a quick look at recent developments in early learning:
Oklahoma has had state-funded pre-kindergarten in place for 18 years, and offered it universally for nearly a decade. More than two-thirds of Oklahoma 4-year-olds are enrolled – the highest rate in the country. It’s proven to make a difference. According to USA Today:
Pre-kindergarten…in Oklahoma boosts kids’ skills dramatically, a long-awaited study finds, for the first time offering across-the-board evidence that universal preschool, open to all children, benefits both low-income and middle-class kids.
Meanwhile, the “other Washington” isn’t waiting around for more studies:
Last month, the District of Columbia Council took an important step towards making universal pre-k a reality in the District by passing Pre-Kindergarten Expansion and Enhancement Act. This new, comprehensive legislation seeks to provide pre-k to every 3- and 4- year old in the District whose parents want it by 2014. (from Early Ed Watch)
So what about Washington State? Will our state’s leaders promote high-quality, affordable, early childhood education for every child?
Filed under: early learning, education, children, pre-kindergarten, preschool, public policy, united states, washington state
