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4/9/2009
An April 8, 2009 USA Today article reports that, according to a report from the National Institute for Early Education Research at Rutgers University, at least nine states will likely find it necessary to reduce funding for pre-K programs. Possible cost-cutting measures for state-funded preschool programs include enrolling fewer students, decreasing the dollars allocated per student, and delaying plans to expand the programs. Research indicates that, nationally, about 80% of 4-year-olds attend some form of preschool, and approximately half of those students participate in a public program (i.e., state-funded pre-K, Head Start or special education). The report also ranks state programs based on 10 benchmarks (including class size, teacher-to-child ratios and whether the teacher has a bachelor's degree). Illinois was one of 11 states meeting at least nine of the 10 benchmarks.
The article is available at the USA Today Web site.
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