Research Library
A Center Piece of the PreK Puzzle: Providing State Prekindergarten in Child Care Centers
Author: Schulman, Karen and Blank, Helen
Publisher: National Women’s Law Center
Publication Date: 2007, November
Summary or Abstract: Recognizing the rapid growth of state pre-kindergarten initiatives, this report focuses on the ability to strengthen the opportunities that child care centers can have in providing state funded pre-kindergarten programs. The report is largely based on a series of interviews and meetings the National Women’s Law Center staff conducted with child care center directors in 2006. The report explores the benefits and challenges for child care centers in providing state-funded pre-kindergarten programs and examines state and local policies that might better support child care centers in this role. Some of the key issues addressed include: financing; qualifications and compensations for teachers, directors, and other staff; relationships with school districts; curriculum, assessment, and other programming issues; and community planning and coordination. The report offers state and local policies, practices, and leadership strategies.