Holly Higgins, 202.862.9863 (o), 202.834.6846 (c), hhiggins@preknow.org
Eric J. Karolak, 202.408.9624, 240.678.8609, ekarolak@ececonsortium.org
Elisabeth Crum, 202.785.5100, crum@iwpr.org

(Washington, D.C.) – In light of the growing demand for high-quality pre-kindergarten programs and concerns about poor quality programs in some of the country's largest states, a report released today by the Institute for Women's Policy Research (IWPR) helps decision makers estimate the costs of quality improvements.

The report, "Meaningful Investments in Pre-K: Estimating the Per-Child Costs of Quality Programs," examines the costs associated with improvements to teacher education (and pay) and class-size, two major components of pre-k that have a large impact on child outcomes. By these criteria, three of the largest states in the country—California, Florida, and Texas—have poor quality pre-k programs.

"We needed to look at the numbers behind quality early education because, as research reveals, quality is key to effectiveness and requires substantial investments," said Barbara Gault, vice president and director of research at the Institute for Women's Policy Research. "Our data will inform the ongoing national conversation among policymakers about what it means to ensure that children enter school ready to learn and succeed."

Collectively, 38 states are investing nearly $5 billion this year—a record amount—to provide voluntary pre-k programs. However, as the report emphasizes children, families and communities will not see benefits from these investments unless support programs that meet specific high-quality standards which include low teacher-to-child ratios, small class sizes, and experienced, well-compensated teachers with good credentials.

"In light of increasing fiscal challenges across the country, state and federal leaders must make difficult decisions about where to invest public dollars," said Erica Williams, IWPR study director. "We hope this analysis helps them support expansion of high-quality pre-k. We know it is an investment that will yield substantial returns."

The report was jointly funded by Pre-K Now and the National Institute for Early Education Research.

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Pre-K Now collaborates with state advocates and policymakers to lead a movement for high-quality voluntary pre-kindergarten for all three and four year olds. The following funders contribute to making this important work possible: The Pew Charitable Trusts, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the McCormick Tribune Foundation, the Foundation for Child Development, RGK Foundation, CityBridge Foundation, PNC Financial Services Group, and the Schumann Fund for New Jersey.

• "Meaningful Investments in Pre-K: Estimating the Per-Child Costs of Quality Programs" (Full Report)
• "Meaningful Investments in Pre-K" (Policy Brief)
• Institute for Women's Policy Research