Investing in Our Youngest Learners
The national universal pre-kindergarten program has completed its first full year, enrolling over 2 million three- and four-year-old children in high-quality early learning programs — with early assessment data showing significant gains in school readiness, particularly for children from low-income families.
The program, which provides free, voluntary pre-K education through partnerships with public schools, Head Start centers, and licensed childcare providers, has been especially impactful in rural communities and underserved urban neighborhoods where quality early childhood education was previously unavailable or unaffordable.
Early Results
- 89% of participating children met or exceeded kindergarten readiness benchmarks
- Children from low-income families showed a 23% greater improvement in literacy skills compared to non-participants
- Parents reported a 34% reduction in childcare costs, freeing income for other family needs
- Working mothers' labor force participation increased by 7% in areas with new pre-K programs
"Every child deserves a strong start, regardless of their zip code or family income," said the Secretary of Education. "Universal pre-K is one of the best investments we can make in America's future."
