Partners In Closing the Achievement Gap How Charter Schools Can Support High-Quality Universal Pre-K

This policy brief analyzes ways to bridge the gap that currently exists between charter schools and early childhood education. Specific recommendations include:

• Eliminate state policies barring charter schools from offering Pre-K
• Allow public charter schools to access per-pupil funds to educate 3- and 4-year-olds
• Build charter authorizer capacity and expertise in early education
• Allow charter schools to access state and federal Pre-K funds
• Ensure adequate Pre-K funding to ensure quality
• Include Pre-K charters in the Federal Charter Schools program
• Eliminate caps on the number of charter schools which may serve children