Florida's voluntary prekindergarten program remains among the poorest nationally when rated on money spent and quality, says a national report card released Wednesday.
With more parents taking advantage of the taxpayer-funded program, however, the state rates second for access in the annual Preschool Yearbook issued by the National Institute for Early Education Research.
Florida's program is open to every 4-year-old, regardless of family income. Statewide, 61 percent of 4-year-olds were enrolled in 2007-08. First-place Oklahoma enrolled 71 percent.
With respect to spending, Florida ranked 34th out of 38 states that fund pre-k programs, spending about $2,500 per child last year. Only Arizona, Colorado, South Carolina and Maine spent less. The state average was more than $4,000.
Florida ranked along with Arizona, Texas and California near the bottom for quality programming, with just four out of 10 points in that category. The state lost points because its pre-k teachers don't need bachelor's degrees unless they work in the summer voluntary program. During the school year, Florida requires only one teacher in each pre-k class to have a child development associate credential.
"I'm concerned about Florida," said Lynn Hartle, associate professor of early childhood education at the University of Central Florida. "It is basically the same findings as last year."
She noted, however, the state's pre-K program does have an advantage over some states.
"The one positive aspect of Florida that we have going for us is that the people working in child care facilities are usually being prepared by our local community colleges," Hartle said.
TO SIGN UP
For information on Hillsborough's summer voluntary pre-k or to register for pre-k in the 2009-10 school year, go to www.elchc.org.
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