High Cost of Preschool is a Challenge for Middle-Class Families

A new report from Pre-K Now finds that middle-class families are being squeezed out of public preschool programs across the country.

The study, "The Pre-K Pinch: Early Education and the Middle Class," shows a consistent imbalance between the eligibility requirements for state preschool programs and the actual income necessary to meet basic living needs in those states.

"The cost of early education and care is one of the highest expenses for families with young children," said Albert Wat, the report's primary author. "Although many states face tight budgets, increasing access to pre-k would provide relief to middle-class families, and would more than pay for itself in cost-savings down the road."

The full report is available at: http://www.preknow.org/documents/pre-kpinch_Nov2008_report.pdf .

Please join LAUP for Pre-K Now's national satellite conference, "Breaking Down Barriers to Quality Pre-K: A National Strategy Session." The conference and local discussion will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 9:30 a.m. at the KCET-TV studios, 4401 Sunset Blvd.; Los Angeles.

For more information and to RSVP, please visit: http://events.preknow.org/page/event/detail/wrrf.

Previous