Description:
Both charter schools and preschools have shown tremendous potential to change the educational and life trajectories of low-income kids. In combination, they could do even more to improve the odds for our nation's most vulnerable youngsters. But current policy and practice in many states limit the ability of charter schools to offer state-funded pre-K programs. Even though most states use a variety of providers to offer preschool--including public schools, Head Start programs, community-based child care centers, and for-profit and faith-based preschools--charter schools are often not among them. This report asks and documents the answers to three key questions: Can charter elementary schools offer state-funded pre-K? How many charter schools serve preschoolers? What types of barriers prevent charter schools from offering pre-K? We analyzed state pre-K and charter statutes, regulations, and agency policies in the thirty-six jurisdictions that had both charter schools and state-funded pre-K programs at the start of the 2014-15 school year. We also interviewed state charter leaders, policymakers, and pre-K program staff to better understand the barriers that charters face in accessing pre-K funding. (author abstract)
Resource Type:
Reports & Papers
Country:
United States
State(s)/Territories/Tribal Nation(s):
Alaska;
Arizona;
Arkansas;
California;
Colorado;
Connecticut;
Delaware;
District of Columbia;
Florida;
Georgia;
Illinois;
Indiana;
Iowa;
Kansas;
Louisiana;
Maine;
Maryland;
Massachusetts;
Michigan;
Minnesota;
Missouri;
Nevada;
New Jersey;
New Mexico;
New York;
North Carolina;
Ohio;
Oklahoma;
Pennsylvania;
Rhode Island;
South Carolina;
Tennessee;
Texas;
Virginia;
Washington;
Wisconsin