ECLS Social Rating Scale (Teacher version) – "Approaches to Learning" Subscale
Category: Student Well-Being
We describe state-funded pre-kindergarten (pre-K) expansion in the modern era from 2002 to 2024, documenting patterns of investment and reach. Although spending and enrollment increased substantially, states pursued widely varying expansion strategies. A 200% increase in pre-K enrollment did not reduce spending on enrolled children. Instead, we observed an average increase of 21% in per-pupil spending. Overall enrollment rates in any form of preschool (including the private market) did not differ between states offering universal and means-tested (targeted) programs, though states with universal eligibility saw more children enroll in the state-supported programs. Preschool enrollment of children from low-income families did not differ across universal and means-tested programs. Observable state characteristics did not predict pre-K investment. Implications for policy are discussed.
Keywords
Prekindergarten, early childhood education, preschool, per-pupil expenditure, funding, state policy
Education level
Document Object Identifier (DOI)
10.26300/ex9a-ps25
