The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) has released The State of Preschool 2014 report. The newest edition of this annual report profiles state-funded prekindergarten programs throughout the United States, as well as documenting growth. The annual preschool report helps track and understand progress across states and the nation.
National Highlights in this year’s State of Preschool report includes:
- State funding for Pre-K programs increased by nearly $120 million in 2013-2014.
- In 2013-2014, 29% of America’s 4-year-olds were enrolled in a state-funded Pre-K program.
- After a loss of 4,000 seats in 2012-2013, student enrollment increased by 8,535 in 2013-2014.
- Pre-K quality standards improved in 2013-2014.
The annual report is divided into three sections:
- The first section describes trends in Pre-K enrollment, quality standards, and spending.
- The second section includes detailed state profiles. Profile pages are also included for states without state-funded programs.
- The last section of the report contains appendices with tables that provide the complete 2013-2014 survey data obtained from every state, as well as Head Start, child care, U.S. Census, and special education data.
Other information highlighted in the report includes early learning standards, a resource break-down, and benchmark requirements per state. For the 2013-2014 school year, Indiana did not have a state-funded preschool program, per criteria outlined in the full report. However, Indiana will transition out of one of the ten states without a state funded Pre-K program for next year’s 2014 – 2015 annual report with the Early Education Matching Grant program (EEMG) and On My Way Pre-K (OMY)!
Transform Consulting Group has been working with the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL) to support the implementation of these new Pre-K programs in Indiana. Contact us today to learn how Transform Consulting Group can help implement your organization’s programs to make a deeper impact in your community. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!
