Dive Brief:
- Given all the national attention early education is getting these days, NPR decided to break down what makes a “high-quality” pre-K program. The analysis landed them in Tulsa, Okla., a model city for the nation’s early education programs.
- The report hinges on a study conducted by a Georgetown University professor and developmental psychologist, Deborah Phillips. Phillips and her team spent seven-months reviewing Tulsa pre-K programs and found quality early education must have four pillars in place: strong curriculum, ample funds, balanced teacher-student ratios, and highly qualified teachers
- Currently, Oklahoma spends more than any other state on early education, with Tulsa's spending alone averaging about $7,500 per child each year.
Dive Insight:
Early education is a hot topic in the ed world right now. Hillary Clinton, Rahm Emanuel, and Barack Obama are all touting its benefits, and as the president places more emphasis on such programs, many states are beginning to see the necessity. About 30 states have plans to expand their pre-K programs in the coming years.
Looking at Tulsa’s program allows lawmakers, families, and teachers the chance to see what an exceptional pre-K program looks like. Too often, states have pre-K in place that, in reality, looks like nothing more than daycare.
According to Phillips, one of the ultimate benefits of a stellar pre-K program is that it mimics many of the relationship needs a child desires from its family. By giving emotional and social support, children feel “safe, protected, loved, valued,” according to Phillips — all necessities to make students love school and want to succeed.
