Pre-K for all: What does it take to get every child an education?
Thousands of 4-year-olds donning tiny backpacks and shy smiles will be entering classrooms this year courtesy of universal prekindergarten programs gaining steam – and funding – across the United States.
Pre-K is a milestone that child development experts say better prepares little learners for the next stages of school, and one that should be available to all children.
“They learn their letters. They learn their numbers. They learn how to be good friends. They learn how to share – those really important social-emotional pieces that set them up for success going forward,” says Danielle Ewen, a consultant for the Alliance for Early Success, which works with early childhood policy advocates at the state level.
But launching a universal pre-K program – which, in theory, is free and accessible for all children in the eligible age group – isn’t as easy as A-B-C. States expanding access have been battling labor shortages, enrollment challenges, and, in at least one case, lawsuits.
Still, for every hiccup,
