History of Preschool in the US
Ever wonder about the history of preschool in the United States? In the 1960s only ten percent of the nation’s three and four-year olds were enrolled in a classroom setting. Head Start, the first publicly funded preschool program, was created in 1965 by President Johnson. The federal government helped create this half-day program for preschool children from low-income families. Head Start began as a summer pilot program that included an education component, nutrition and health screenings for children, and support services for families.
During the 1980’s, due to a large amount interest, and a lack of adequate funding for Head Start, a handful of states started their own version of the program. The positive success and effects of preschool meant many state leaders were showing interest in educational reform of these young students. By 2005, sixty-nine percent, or over 800,000, four-year-old children nationwide participated in some type of state preschool program. The yearly increase in enrollment of preschool programs throughout the years is due to an increase of higher maternal employment rates, national anti-poverty initiatives, and research showing the link between early childhood experiences and the brain development of young children.
In most states, there are multiple preschool or Pre-K options for young children. Parents have the option of sending their child to a federally funded Head Start program, if their income is at the poverty level. Other options can include state-funded preschool, government-funded special education programs, and for-profit and not-for-profit providers, including those that accept government subsidies. Currently in the United States, Georgia, Illinois, Florida, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and New York are the only states with approved or pending legislation for universal preschool for four-year olds in their state. Preschool for All in Illinois serves three-year old’s as well. Learn even more about preschool in the US!
