Preschool Progress: Record Funding and Enrollment Meet Persistent Quality Gaps

State-funded preschool programs have reached unprecedented levels of enrollment and investment, yet experts worry that uneven quality across the country is creating a divided landscape. As described in a recent report from the National Institute of Early Education Research (NIEER), some states are sprinting ahead with robust offerings, while others lag behind, leaving many families without access to high-quality early education. This Q&A explores the key findings, challenges, and what the future may hold for pre-K in America.

How many children are now enrolled in state-funded preschool?

Enrollment in state-funded preschool programs has hit an all-time high, with more four-year-olds participating than ever before. The NIEER’s 2025 yearbook reports that states collectively are serving a record number of young learners. However, this growth is not uniform: a handful of states drive most of the increase, while others have seen flat or declining participation. Despite the overall rise, experts caution that simply getting children into classrooms is not enough—quality must keep pace to ensure these programs genuinely prepare kids for kindergarten and beyond.

Preschool Progress: Record Funding and Enrollment Meet Persistent Quality Gaps — Source: www.edsurge.com

Why are researchers concerned about preschool quality?

Even as funding and enrollment soar, quality remains a significant worry. The NIEER report emphasizes that many programs lack key features of high-quality early education, such as well-trained teachers, appropriate class sizes, and enriching curricula. Allison Friedman-Krauss, an associate research professor at NIEER, warns that the current focus on access risks overshadowing the need for quality. Without attention to these elements, children in under-resourced programs may not gain the cognitive and social benefits that pre-K can offer, potentially widening the achievement gap between advantaged and disadvantaged students.

How much are states spending on preschool overall?

State spending on pre-K reached nearly $14.4 billion in the 2024-2025 school year, a new record. But this figure is heavily concentrated: California alone accounted for $4.1 billion, while New Jersey and New York contributed $1.2 billion and $1 billion, respectively. These three states together make up 45% of all state pre-K funding. More than two dozen states increased their preschool budgets, yet the rate of growth has slowed dramatically. Adjusted for inflation, average per-child spending rose by only $45 this year, compared to a much larger increase last year. This uneven investment means that children in different states experience vastly different levels of support.

Which states are spending the most per child on preschool?

When looking at per-child spending, the disparities become even clearer. New Jersey, Oregon, and the District of Columbia each provide over $15,000 per enrolled preschooler. Six other states—California, Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Mexico, and Washington—spend more than $10,000 per child. Altogether, 28 states increased their per-child funding, adjusted for inflation, compared to the previous year. However, 17 states actually spent less per child in 2024-2025 than in 2023-2024 when accounting for inflation. These cuts reflect broader state budget deficits and, in some cases, falling enrollment. Yet NIEER director Steve Barnett argues that funding levels are ultimately a matter of political will, not just economic necessity.

How do state budget deficits affect preschool funding?

The relationship between state deficits and pre-K funding is not straightforward. While overall deficits can lead to spending cuts—17 states lowered per-child investment this year—some states have bucked the trend. New Jersey, for example, faced a budget deficit but still added $100 million to expand its preschool programs. Barnett points out that such choices reflect state priorities: “That’s a conscious decision to say we’re going to spend less,” he says, urging policymakers to weigh the long-term benefits of early education against short-term fiscal pressures. This tension between austerity and investment is a central challenge for advocates seeking universal, high-quality preschool.

What does the future hold for state-funded preschool?

The NIEER report paints a mixed picture: record enrollment and spending, but quality gaps and slowing investment growth. To create a truly equitable system, states must not only expand access but also commit to improving teacher compensation, reducing class sizes, and implementing evidence-based curricula. Researchers like Friedman-Krauss stress that “we don’t want them to forget about quality.” As some states near the finish line of universal pre-K, others have barely started. The next few years will test whether policymakers can translate record funding into lasting, high-quality programs that benefit every child, regardless of where they live.

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