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

(Washington, D.C.) – Oklahoma ranks first on a new list of the places where families have the best chance of enrolling their children in high-quality, state-funded pre-kindergarten according to "Votes Count: Legislative Action on Pre-K Fiscal Year 2009.” With consumer prices rising and wages and home values stagnant or falling, access to quality pre-k such as the Oklahoma Early Childhood Four-Year-Old Program ensures young children are prepared for success in school and saves parents a major out-of-pocket expense. “Votes Count,” a 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 316 million new dollars to pre-k programs in the next fiscal year.

“Some people around the country might be surprised to learn that Oklahoma is a national model for high-quality, voluntary pre-k,” said Libby Doggett, executive director of Pre-K Now. “To the tremendous benefit of children, families and ultimately the state’s economy, leaders in Oklahoma consistently make pre-k a priority, and it shows.”

The report 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.

“Leaders in Oklahoma have looked at the research and have seen the effects already – they know these programs make a huge difference in the kind of learning a child is ready to take on when they enter school,” said Doggett. “That same child will grow up to contribute to our community and our future workforce; so it just makes sense to invest in them early.”

Additional report highlights:

• Behind Oklahoma, West Virginia and Arkansas ranked second and third, respectively; children in Arizona, Ohio and Kansas faced the worst chances of enrolling in high-quality, state-funded pre-k.
• 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 states – including Oklahoma - already providing or phasing in pre-k for all children; among them: Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, New York 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.

###

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 Oklahoma's FY09 pre-k budget