How to Invest in High-Quality Preschool Programs Without Sacrificing Equity
Introduction
In recent years, state-funded preschool programs have reached historic highs in both enrollment and spending—nearly $14.4 billion collectively. Yet the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) warns that quality and equity remain uneven. As states race to expand access, many risk creating a two-tiered system: one for privileged children attending well-funded, high-quality programs, and another for those left behind. This how-to guide outlines practical steps for policymakers, advocates, and educators to ensure that increased investment translates into genuine, lasting quality. By following these steps, you can help build a preschool system that serves every child.
What You Need
- NIEER’s “State of Preschool: 2025 Yearbook” — the latest data on spending, enrollment, and quality benchmarks for your state.
- Your state’s current pre‑K budget — including funding per child, source of funds (e.g., general fund, dedicated taxes), and any planned increases or cuts.
- Enrollment figures for 3‑ and 4‑year‑olds in state‑funded programs, broken down by region and income level.
- Quality standards documentation — teacher‑to‑student ratios, staff qualifications, curriculum frameworks, and compensation scales.
- Inflation adjustment tools — to compare spending across years in real dollars.
- Equity analysis — demographic data on children served (e.g., low‑income, rural, special needs) to identify gaps.
- Stakeholder input — from teachers, parents, early childhood experts, and community organizations.
Step‑by‑Step Guide
Step 1: Assess Your State’s Current Funding and Enrollment Landscape
Before making changes, understand where you stand. Gather the latest yearbook data and compare your state’s total pre‑K spending, per‑child funding, and enrollment rates to national averages. Note that California ($4.1 billion), New Jersey ($1.2 billion), and New York ($1 billion) together account for 45% of all state pre‑K spending. If your state is not among them, identify how much your per‑child spending differs from the $10,000–$15,000 threshold achieved by leading states. Use inflation‑adjusted figures to see whether you are increasing or decreasing real investment—17 states spent less in 2024‑2025 than the year before after adjusting for inflation.
Step 2: Benchmark Your Programs Against NIEER’s Quality Standards
High‑quality preschool requires more than a seat. NIEER’s benchmarks include teacher qualifications (e.g., bachelor’s degree with specialization in early childhood), small class sizes (max 20), low staff‑to‑student ratios (1:10 or better), and developmentally appropriate curricula. Review your state’s policies against each benchmark. If your state falls short—especially on teacher compensation or ratios—that signals a quality gap that funding increases should address. Remember, the report warns: “We don’t want them to forget about quality.”
Step 3: Allocate New Funding to Compensation and Ratios
Increased funding can be wasted if it flows only to expanding enrollment without fixing systemic problems. Direct at least part of every new dollar toward improving teacher salaries (a long‑standing concern) and reducing student‑teacher ratios. For example, New Jersey, despite a budget deficit, invested an additional $100 million to expand preschool—prioritizing quality. Use your state’s per‑child spending data to calculate how much more is needed to reach the $10,000+ range and specify that the increase should go to compensation and training.
Step 4: Ensure Equitable Access Across All Regions and Income Levels
Access varies wildly within states. Analyze enrollment data by county, income bracket, and race. If your state has “haves and have‑nots” (as the NIEER report cautions), create targeted initiatives: fund preschool slots in underserved zip codes, offer transportation, waive parent fees, and prioritize children from low‑income families. States like the District of Columbia, which spend over $15,000 per child, show that high per‑child investment can drive equity—but only if the money reaches the neediest communities.
Step 5: Monitor Inflation‑Adjusted Spending Year Over Year
One‑time increases are not enough. The 2024‑2025 spending growth was 16 times smaller than the previous year’s increase, indicating a slowdown. Set up an annual review of per‑child funding adjusted for inflation. If real spending declines, identify the cause—state deficits, falling enrollment, or policy choices. As NIEER director Steve Barnett argues, “That’s a conscious decision to say we’re going to spend less.” Advocate for a multi‑year funding formula that automatically adjusts for inflation and enrollment changes so quality doesn’t erode.
Step 6: Learn from High‑Performing States and Avoid Common Pitfalls
Study the policies of states that have successfully balanced growth and quality: New Jersey, Oregon, and D.C. (spending >$15,000/child); California, Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Mexico, and Washington ($10,000+). Common traits include dedicated revenue streams, strong state agency oversight, and explicit quality benchmarks. Conversely, avoid the trap of cutting pre‑K when budgets are tight—research shows long‑term returns (better school readiness, reduced special education costs) far outweigh short‑term savings.
Tips for Success
- Start with data, not ideology. Use the NIEER yearbook and your state’s own data to build a case that resonates with both fiscal conservatives and early childhood advocates.
- Build coalitions. Involve teachers’ unions, business leaders (who benefit from a skilled future workforce), and parent groups. Collective voices amplify impact.
- Don’t ignore teacher turnover. Low pay drives experienced educators away. Tie funding increases to salary improvements and career ladders.
- Phase in changes gradually. Dramatic shifts can cause backlash. Implement quality improvements over 2–3 budget cycles while maintaining access.
- Track outcomes. Measure kindergarten readiness, third‑grade reading levels, and parent satisfaction to prove that investments work.
- Be wary of “access only” funding. More seats without quality improvements will only deepen the inequity gap. Insist that every funding bill include a quality‑assurance clause.
By following these steps, you can help your state run the race toward universal, high‑quality preschool—and cross the finish line with every child ready to succeed.