A recent study by the National Institute for Early Education Research reveals that while the percentage of preschoolers enrolled in state-funded programmes has reached a record high, the actual number of enrolled students remains below pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, the study highlights a widening gap among states in terms of access to quality early childhood education. Despite an all-time high in state spending for preschool programmes, only nine states meet the minimum spending requirement for high-quality full-day programmes for 4-year-olds.
Nationally, an estimated $33 billion would be needed to bring every state up to par. Enrollment disparities are evident, with only four states enrolling more than 80% of four-year-olds and six states enrolling none at all.