@EdWorkingPaper{ai26-1541,
title = "23 Years of State Pre-K Expansion: How States Balance Investment, Access, and Quality in the Modern Era",
author = "Casey Moran, Mindy L. Rosengarten, Eunho Cha, Jade M. Jenkins, Kenneth A. Dodge, Allison Friedman-Kraus, W. Steven Barnett, Tyler W. Watts",
institution = "Annenberg Institute at Brown University",
number = "1541",
year = "2026",
month = "August",
URL = "http://www.edworkingpapers.com/ai26-1541",
abstract = {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.},
}