State-by-state survey analyzes preschool programs
 

Washington, DC--The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) today released a survey of state-funded early childhood education programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, which found that states provide funding for only 12 percent of all 3- and 4-year-olds in preschool programs, and recommended that states focus on improving accessibility and quality.

"AFT’s survey can give states direction where to target future efforts to create a high-quality, universally available early childhood education system," said Sandra Feldman, president of the American Federation of Teachers.  "The situation is better than it was 20 years ago, but barely half of the states are even at the starting line, which means that many children get left behind."

Meager salaries and a lack of benefits are often stumbling blocks for attracting well-trained and college-educated early childhood teachers and workers.  The report, which reviewed statewide, state-funded early childhood education programs, found that 40 percent of preschool staff have only a high school diploma, and staff turnover rates range from 30 percent to 50 percent annually.

"Research has shown again and again that highly trained, well-compensated staff is a key predictor of program quality and positive outcomes for children," said Feldman.   "And yet, early childhood teachers are the lowest paid and least trained of almost any occupation."

The report, At the Starting Line: Early Childhood Programs in the 50 States, found that:  

• Twenty-one states give enrollment priority to low-income children and children with other risk factors, but do not guarantee them spots in preschool programs.
• Georgia and Oklahoma provide early childhood education programs to a majority of families that want their children enrolled in preschool.
• Eight states and the District of Columbia require all early childhood teachers to have a bachelor’s degree.
• The District of Columbia provides a full day pre-kindergarten program in every elementary school and learning center.
• On average, early childhood education teachers earn $17,000 less than kindergarten teachers, while only eight states pay early childhood teachers salaries comparable to what the states’ K-12 teachers earn.
• Fourteen states have school readiness standards and require programs to use them.  

 At the Starting Line  was compiled from self-reported data about statewide, state-funded early childhood education programs.  The data was confirmed by similar findings in other early childhood education reports, national databases, and by appropriate personnel in the state agencies responsible for administering the programs.  The report reviewed state programs by examining two key factors: access to early childhood education, and quality of existing programs, as defined by staff requirements, school readiness standards and adult/child ratios.  Head Start was included in the analysis only if the state supported the program with state funds.

Based on these criteria, the report made the following five recommendations to states:

• Make preschool available to all 3- and 4-year-olds beginning with disadvantaged children;
• Guarantee full-day kindergarten for all children whose families want it;
• Coordinate the administration of early childhood education programs;
• Raise the overall quality of programs by requiring and enforcing high standards; and
• Require higher levels of formal education and training, while developing sources to increase compensation of all teachers and staff.

Studies cited in the report show that high-quality early childhood education increases the likelihood that all children--particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds--will become successful students and citizens.   The AFT has proposed a program called Kindergarten-Plus that would provide an extended year, full-day kindergarten for disadvantaged children.

"Kindergarten-Plus would be relatively easy to implement because the schools already exist and qualified kindergarten teachers are already in place," said Feldman.  "A $1 investment in Kindergarten-Plus could reap a $7 savings in costs to our society.  Quality early childhood education would lower the need for special education or remedial classes, lead to fewer school dropouts and prepare students for productive careers."

To view the full report, visit:
http://www.aft.org/pubs-reports/downloads/teachers/EarlyChildhoodreport.pdf