Early Childhood
Education news, analysis, and opinion about children from birth through kindergarten.
What age is early childhood education?
The age requirements for pre-K and kindergarten varies by location and are mostly set by state law. Preschool or pre-K students are usually ages 3 or 4. Read more about the expansion of pre-K.
18 states require that a child turns age 5 before the beginning of September to be able to enter kindergarten. Read more about kindergarten age cutoffs.
18 states require that a child turns age 5 before the beginning of September to be able to enter kindergarten. Read more about kindergarten age cutoffs.
Is kindergarten mandatory?
As of 2023, at least 17 states and the District of Columbia require children to attend kindergarten, according to the Education Commission of the States. Where kindergarten is optional, parents weigh many factors when deciding whether to send their child to kindergarten, including their emotional maturity, their physical size, and the family’s child-care situation.
Are Head Start and preschool the same?
There’s no national standard for preschool programs. Their aim is to help children who are 3 or 4 years old acquire the academic and interpersonal skills they’ll need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. Preschool programs can be public and funded by states or the federal government and run by school districts or other organizations, or private and tuition-based. Read more about preschool.
Head Start, a federal child-development program for low-income children, was started in 1964 as part of the War on Poverty. Among other programs, it funds local preschool programs. As of 2023 it served about 532,000 children. Read more about Head Start.
Head Start, a federal child-development program for low-income children, was started in 1964 as part of the War on Poverty. Among other programs, it funds local preschool programs. As of 2023 it served about 532,000 children. Read more about Head Start.
What is universal pre-K?
Universal pre-K means that any student who meets the age criteria is able to attend; funding and availability stretches to cover all eligible students. Universal pre-K is offered in four states and the District of Columbia, as of the 2025-26 school year. Eight other states have universal eligibility, which means that any student can attend if they meet the age requirement, if there are enough spots available for them. Read more about universal pre-K.
Early Childhood Opinion What K-12 Can Learn from Pre-KEarly-childhood education has valuable lessons to share with K-12.
Early Childhood Which States Offer Universal Pre-K? It's More Complicated Than You Might ThinkUniversal pre-K is growing in popularity. Here are the states that have already established universal preschool programs or policies.
Early Childhood Support for Universal Pre-K Grows as More States Jump on BoardNew Mexico became the latest state to approve investments in pre-K programs.
Early Childhood As Head Start Quality Push Continues, Advocates Raise Red Flag on EquityInadequate federal funding forces Head Start providers to choose between quality and quantity, a new report contends.Early Childhood Webinar How the Science of Reading Elevates Our Early Learners to SuccessSponsorThis content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.From the creators of ABCmouse, learn how a solution grounded in the science of reading can prepare our youngest learners for kindergarten.Early Childhood Spotlight Spotlight on Early LearningThis Spotlight will help you examine the impact of early education programs on high school performance, evaluate pre-K programs, and more.
Early Childhood Get a Very Early Start on Teaching Coding Skills. Pilot Study Suggests Trying Robotic ToysThe study found that coding exercises enhanced the preschoolers’ problem-solving skills, creativity, and determination.
Early Childhood Opinion The Not-So-Certain Science of Pre-KMuch of the support for universal preschool proceeds with a blind assurance that leaves difficult questions aside.
Early Childhood Pandemic Kids Need Early Language Support. Here's How Teachers Can HelpPreschool teachers share their ideas for promoting students' language growth.
Early Childhood What the Research Says Babies Are Saying Less Since the Pandemic: Why That's ConcerningChildren born in the pandemic have heard fewer words and conversations. Their language development has suffered.
Early Childhood What the Research Says Early Education Pays Off. A New Study Shows HowStudents from state-funded universal preschool, but not federal Head Start, took more-challenging courses in high school, a study finds.Early Childhood Quiz Quiz Yourself: How Much Do You Know About Early Learning?Answer 7 questions to discover how much you know about early learning.
Early Childhood Opinion Biden’s 'Build Back Better' Bill Could Decimate the Child-Care LandscapeMany families rely on faith-based child-care centers—but those providers are in peril under the Build Back Better bill's current language.
Early Childhood What the Research Says Preschool Enrollment Has Plunged: What That Means for School ReadinessCensus data confirm that more than a million young children missed preschool during the pandemic, putting school readiness at risk.
Early Childhood Opinion The Problems With Biden’s Universal Pre-K ProposalAn early-childhood education leader expresses concerns that the universal pre-K plan risks separating pre-K from the wider child-care sector.
