The State of Preschool: 2003
State Preschool Yearbook
The National Institute for
Early Education Research's (NIEER) State Preschool Yearbook is a
first-of-a-kind report describing state-funded prekindergarten programs in
the 2001-2002 school year. Information is presented on three key
characteristics: access, quality standards, and resources. Each of the 50
states is given a ranking (1=best, 50=worst) as a comparison against other
states.
Michigan was ranked 10th in access in enrollment for 4-year-olds. Michigan
tied for last (with 10 other states) for 3-year-olds because Michigan
provides no prekindergarten funding for 3-year olds. Michgan ranked 14th
in resources - on the basis of spending per child enrolled.
On the Quality Standards Checklist, Michigan met the benchmark requirement
on 5 of the 10 benchmarks. The benchmarks - and whether Michigan achieved
the benchmarks:
1. Comprehensive Curriculum Standards: NO
2. Teacher has BA: NO
3. Specialized Training in ECE: YES
4. Assistant Teacher Has CDA or Equivalent: YES
5. At Least 15 Hours/Year In-Service: NO
6. Maximum Class Size Less Than 20: YES
7. Staff - Child Ratio 1:10 or Better: YES
8. Vision, Hearing, Health Screening/Referral: NO
9. At Least One Family Support Service: YES
10. At Least One Meal: NO
No state achieved benchmarks in all 10 categories. Arkansas, Illinois, and
New Jersey (Abbott) met the benchmarks in nine categories.
The 2003 Yearbook is the first in an annual series reporting on programs
funded by state governments to educate children at ages 3 and 4. The
report was prepared by W. Steven Barnett, Ph.D., Kenneth B. Robin, Psy.M.,
Jason T. Hustedt, Ph.D., and Karen L. Schulman, M.P.P.
