Rhode Island Earns National Recognition For Pre-K Programs

In a national survey of the country's preschool programs, Rhode Island was named one of the top states, one of just three to meet all ten standards for quality set by the National Institute for Early Education. Governor Gina Raimondo praised the state's preschools and said now is the time to make early childhood education available to all Rhode Island children.

"Rhode Island is home to one of the best pre-K programs in the country, and it’s a testament to the incredible educators who support our youngest students day in and day out," Gov. Raimondo said. "I have seen firsthand the amazing work these educators and students are doing in classrooms across the state, and I believe that every child and every family deserves access to these meaningful early learning opportunities."

During the 2018-19 school year, the state funded preschool education programs for 1,080 children, up 72 from the previous year. According to the governor's office, enrollment in state-funded preschool programs has tripled since 2015.

Raimondo has long been a supporter of a universal preschool program in Rhode Island, proposing an additional 540 spots be added in the upcoming school year. Over the following four years, enrollment would increase to 7,000 children by 2024.

"The research is clear that getting students into high-quality early learning programs can change the trajectory of their lives. Children who have access to quality pre-K are more likely to read fluently and joyfully by third grade, a key marker of future success. They’re also less likely to require special education services and more likely to graduate high school," said Ken Wagner, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education. "These programs are a high-impact lever to improve student outcomes, and an investment today will pay dividends down the road."

The proposal is still in need of approval by the Rhode Island General Assembly.

In the 2018 State of Preschool Yearbook, Rhode Island is among the best in the nation in terms of meeting quality standards, which include factors like class size, level of teacher education and more. According to the fact book, just 28 percent of Rhode Island school districts offer preschool programs.

"Rhode Island is already a leader in quality, and we are committed to maintaining those high standards while we push forward to become a leader in equity and access," Gov. Raimondo added.

Parents interested in signing their children up for the 2019-20 preschool lottery can do so starting in early May, with applications due on July 1. Parents can sign up here to be notified as soon as the application becomes available. Eligible children must be four years old by September 1 and have to be residents of one of the communities included in the program.