The Condition of Education 2006: Indicator 2 - Enrollment in Early Childhood Education Programs

The percentage of prekindergarten children ages 3–5 who attended center-based programs increased from 53 percent in 1991 to 60 percent in 1999, before decreasing to 57 percent in 2005.... Some groups of young children had higher rates of participation in center-based programs than others during this period. For example, in each of the years observed, a greater percentage of nonpoor children ages 3–5 participated in center-based programs than poor children.... In addition, for all years observed, a greater percentage of Black and White children than Hispanic children participated in center-based programs.... Differences were also found by the child’s age, mother’s education, and mother’s employment.