After spending 20+ years wrangling crayons, questions, and curriculum, reading the 2024 State of Preschool Yearbook from the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) feels like a mix of hope and déjà vu.
The report highlights record-high enrollment and funding for state-funded preschool programs during the 2023-2024 school year, but it also underscores persistent gaps in access and quality. It’s a familiar narrative: progress tempered by systemic challenges.
A personal perspective on early education
Reflecting on my early years teaching kindergarten in a small town in Ohio, I recall the diverse readiness levels among my students. Some children arrived with a solid foundation in basic skills, while others were encountering structured learning for the first time. The disparities were evident, and it was clear that early childhood education or the lack thereof played a significant role.
The NIEER report indicates that enrollment reached a record high of 1.75 million children in the 2023-2024 school year, a 7% increase from the prior year. State enrollment among four-year-olds increased to 37%, and among three-year-olds to 8% . While these numbers are encouraging, they also highlight that a significant portion of young children still lack access to state-funded preschool programs.
Funding: A double-edged sword
The report notes that state-funded preschool funding reached record highs, with states spending more than $13.6 billion, an inflation-adjusted increase of almost $2 billion (17%). All reported funding (state, local, and federal) supporting state preschool reached an all-time high of $15.3 billion .
However, the report also points out that some states lowered educational requirements and increased child-to-staff ratios in the 2023-2024 school year, potentially compromising quality.
In my experience, adequate funding is crucial, but how that funding is allocated matters immensely. Investments should prioritize maintaining low student-to-teacher ratios, providing ongoing professional development, and ensuring that facilities are conducive to early learning. Without these considerations, increased funding may not translate into improved outcomes.
Quality standards: The cornerstone of effective preschool
The NIEER report emphasizes that only five states Alabama, Hawaii, Michigan, Mississippi, and Rhode Island meet all ten of NIEER’s benchmarks for minimum quality standards for preschool . This statistic is concerning. Quality in early childhood education is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.
I recall a student, Maria, who joined my kindergarten class after attending a high-quality preschool program. Her early exposure to structured learning, socialization, and foundational skills set her on a path of academic success.
Contrast that with another student, Jamal, who had no prior preschool experience and struggled to adapt to the classroom environment. These experiences underscore the impact of quality early education on a child’s trajectory.
The path forward
The progress highlighted in the NIEER report is commendable, but it’s clear that more work lies ahead. Policymakers must focus not only on expanding access but also on ensuring that preschool programs meet high-quality standards. This includes investing in teacher training, maintaining appropriate class sizes, and developing curricula that support holistic development.
As educators, we witness firsthand the benefits of early childhood education. It’s imperative that we advocate for policies and practices that provide all children with the foundation they need to succeed. The NIEER report serves as both a benchmark of progress and a call to action to address the disparities that persist in our education system.
(For privacy purposes names have been changed)
