Holly Barnes Higgins
Office 202.862.9863
Mobile 202.834.6846
hhiggins@preknow.org

(Washington, D.C.) – Despite a recent three-percent increase in the state’s Pre-Kindergarten Education Program, Nevada ranks 35th out of 38 states on a new list measuring where families have the best and worst chances of enrolling their children in high-quality, state-funded pre-k according to "Votes Count: Legislative Action on Pre-K Fiscal Year 2009.” The state-by-state analysis of pre-k funding released today by Pre-K Now with support from The Pew Charitable Trusts reveals that nationwide, 32 states are adding 309 million new dollars to pre-k programs in the next fiscal year.

Due to consistently low funding, only 3% of Nevada’s 3- and 4-year-olds have access to pre-k, a trend that bodes poorly for the state’s families and its future workforce. Free access to programs such as the Pre-Kindergarten Education Program, would not only ensure that young children are prepared for success in school but it would save struggling parents a major out-of-pocket expense during a time of rising consumer prices and stagnant wages.

“This report offers some very good news for families with young children, particularly those in Latino communities who deeply value education,” said Danielle Gonzales, deputy state program director for Pre-K Now. “Unfortunately, for thousands of families in Nevada, meager funding leaves too many children out of pre-k and unprepared to learn and succeed in school.”

“Votes Count” also sheds new light on the impact of America’s economic downturn and the role of business leaders in legislative support for pre-k funding increases. Motivated by concerns about workforce development and dismal high-school graduation rates, business leaders - along with a growing number of parents, educators and school administrators - are helping Republicans and Democrats join forces to advance pre-k as a prudent, evidence-based economic and education reform strategy. In places as far-flung and politically diverse as Alabama, Michigan, Kansas and Virginia, pre-k support is crossing political aisles.

“It is in the best interest of Nevada to find the commitment and the funding for an expansion of our quality pre-k program,” said Manny Martinez, Vice-President & General Manger of Charter Communications in Reno. “Until all children, especially our growing population of young Latinos, receive the tools they need to succeed in school from day one, we are shooting ourselves in the foot. Nevada must aim higher – for our children and for our future workforce.”

Additional report highlights:

• Behind Nevada, only Arizona, Ohio and Kansas offer poorer chances of getting high-quality, state-funded pre-k; Oklahoma, West Virginia and Arkansas provide families the best chances.
• Net state investments in pre-k will increase by 6.3% to $5.2 billion in FY09, providing an estimated 46,000 families with new access to state-funded pre-k.
• The District of Columbia and Louisiana join an elite group of seven states already providing or phasing in pre-k for all children: Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, New York, Oklahoma, and West Virginia.
• Two states attempted to divert funds earmarked for early childhood programs: Kentucky and Arizona.
• Nine states anticipate increases for pre-k programs funded through their school funding formulas, the most stable source a state can provide.
• For the second year in a row, Iowa had the highest percent increase in pre-k support at 73%.
• Two of the dozen states in the “Pre-K Wilderness” (those without a state-funded pre-k program) took important first steps toward establishing quality programs: Hawaii and Rhode Island.

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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 Foundation, the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, the Foundation for Child Development, RGK Foundation, CityBridge Foundation, and the Schumann Fund for New Jersey.

The Pew Charitable Trusts (www.pewtrusts.org) is driven by the power of knowledge to solve today's most challenging problems. Pew applies a rigorous, analytical approach to improve public policy, inform the public and stimulate civic life. We partner with a diverse range of donors, public and private organizations and concerned citizens who share our commitment to fact-based solutions and goal-driven investments to improve society.

• "Votes Count: Legislative Action on Pre-K Fiscal Year 2009"
• Fast facts on Nevada's FY09 pre-k budget