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The idea of Universal Pre-K is gathering more and more attention and support throughout the country. As of today, few states have fully integrated Universal Pre-K programs. Currently 46 states plus the District of Columbia offers some type of pre-kindergarten program for young children under the age of five. Over the past decade, fiscal resources devoted to pre-kindergarten initiatives have expanded in the public sector to nearly 25 billion dollars. The number of children served in state-funded pre-kindergarten programs, has been rapidly growing, to nearly 1 million, representing 12% of the 8 million 3- and 4-year-old children in the United States. More states have taken public steps to begin the development of programs to address the mounting evidence in research that identifies a preschool education as a key factor to a student's future success (or lack there of).
The recognition of this is great, and advocates are becoming more influential in helping to lay groundwork and build foundations for programs in states that are embracing this initiative, even with the projected long-term fiscal difficulties ahead. Seemingly "unlikely" partners in our mission have emerged as staunch supporters, advocating strongly to ensure everyone everywhere knows the important role that early education plays in the lives of our children and families now and in the future. The Committee for Economic Development has developed and distributed its position statement recommendations in "Preschool for All: Investing in a Productive and Just Society." Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, a program whose members are police chiefs and advocates against violence, as also actively conveying a strong message that supports preschool education for all children.
For further information regarding the pre-kindergarten initiatives of individual states, visit Children's Defense Fund.