Preschool options are growing with the expansion of early learning programs, giving families in some parts of the U.S. a dizzying array of choices.
Some states, like Colorado and New Mexico, are funneling state money into existing private preschools or child care centers . Others, like California, are expanding preschool through the public school system. Some cities are launching their own universal preschool programs. In the 2022-2023 school year, 35% of 4-year-olds and 7% of 3-year-olds were enrolled in public preschools - a record high .
The benefits of high-quality preschool are clear, research shows, and children from low-income households stand to gain the most . They are more prepared for kindergarten , which has grown increasingly academic, are less likely to need special education services and are less likely to have to repeat a grade . There are longer-term benefits, too. Adults who attended preschool are less likely to be incarcerated and are healthier than those who did not.
Preschool once was reserved mostly for families who could pay, or for families with low enough incomes to qualify for public programs. Now, hundreds of thousands of families have more options than before.
But how to pick the right one? Here are some things to consider when looking for a high-quality preschool.
