Facts In Action

As more and more states consider implementing universal pre-kindergarten programs, it can be helpful to examine well-established state-funded pre-kindergarten programs to develop a model for quality. Researchers at Georgetown University recently evaluated Oklahoma's universal pre-k program focusing on its effects on the school readiness of children who participated in the program.

Researchers examined the social-emotional development and cognitive, motor and language skills of 4 year olds in the Tulsa school system before entering the pre-k program and 5 year olds before entering kindergarten. Results showed that although effects varied depending on race and economic status, being in the pre-k program had a positive effect on children's school readiness.

Overall, the greatest impact to children's school readiness was in their language skills and cognitive development. While test scores for all children increased 16%, white children on the whole showed no significant increase in test scores and Hispanic children showed the most improvement averaging a 54% increase in test scores. Low-income children showed significant increases in several areas, including a 31% increase in cognitive skills and an 18% increase in language skills. In addition, Black, Hispanic and poor children showed greater improvement when enrolled in a full-day program as compared to a half-day program.

How does the Oklahoma model compare to others?

• Education - Oklahoma pre-k teachers must have a college degree and a certificate in Early Childhood Education. Nationwide, only 12 states with state-funded pre-k require both a B.A. and a teaching certificate and less than 30% of Head Start teachers have a B.A. or higher
  
  
• Compensation - Pre-k teachers in Oklahoma receive the same compensation as public school elementary teachers with a starting salary of $27,000. Nationally, child care workers in the U.S. have a typical starting salary of $16,980
  
  
• Class Size - Oklahoma pre-k class size is set at 20 students with a student-teacher ratio of 10:1. In contrast, Oklahoma child care programs can have up to 30 students per class; student-teacher ratio is 15:1

Source: The Effects of Universal Pre-K in Oklahoma: Research Highlights and Policy Implications, W.T. Gormley, Jr., D. Phillips, Center for Research on Children in the U.S.

For more information:
http://www.crocus.georgetown.edu/projects.html.

Facts in Action, November/December 2003