April 29, 2008
States Boost Funding for Early Care and Education
DENVER - The National Conference of State Legislatures reports that states increased funding last year to early care and education by more than $1 billion dollars.
NCSL's first "State Early Care and Education Budget Actions" report compiles data provided by fiscal staff in state legislatures gathered through a survey of the 50 states and territories about state appropriations in FY 2007 and FY 2008. NCSL surveyed states about appropriations to four categories of early care and education: child care; pre-kindergarten; parent education and home visiting; and related early learning programs. States increased appropriations from FY 2007 to FY 2008 by:
- Child care—$482 million.
- Pre-kindergarten—$539 million.
- Parent education and home visiting—More than $31 million.
- Related early learning programs—More than $26 million.
States have passed initiatives to improve child development, early learning and school readiness for children at risk as well as for all young children and their families.
“This report is a great beginning in understanding how states are investing in young children’s development and early learning,” says Steffanie Clothier, one of NCSL’s experts on early care and education. “It provides a look at the variety of strategies and programs states are funding.”
A number of states are funding three or all four early care and education categories, and there is a significant general fund effort dedicated to early care and education. The report looks at both child care funding and continued pre-kindergarten expansion. It also provides a snapshot of parent education funding.
Additionally, the report highlights some of the other ways states are funding programs to promote early learning. The appendices give state-by-state information by category and state. This report was made possible through funding from the Buffett Early Childhood Fund and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staff of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
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