Covering Pre-K: New Investments in Our Littlest Learners (Hechinger Primer for Journalists)

This report by the Hechinger Institute traces the growth of preschool programs. Some researchers have suggested that for every $1 invested in high-quality preschool, as much as $17 can be returned to society through higher employment and lower crime rates. Between 2006 and 2008, states more than doubled their spending on preschool to $4.6 billion.

The report finds, however, that few preschool programs resemble the high-quality models on which research is based. The report aims to help journalists and policymakers understand what kinds of pre-k programs work best, particularly amid the current recession. It includes pieces on pre-k pedagogy, measuring quality in preschool classrooms, enrollment of Hispanic children, evaluating research on preschool and a discussion of whether preschool teachers need college degrees with specializations in early childhood.

For journalists who wish to do further research, the publication includes a list of seminal and recent reports on early childhood education, as well as contact information for more than 60 pre-kindergarten experts and advocates.