Prekindergarten Programs in Public Schools: A National and State Review. Policy Issues

This national and state review provides a synthesis of current thinking and practice concerning prekindergarten programs in public schools. Section I discusses the need for preschool programs in terms of the changing family and workforce, the baby "boomlet," and socioeconomic factors. Section II reviews early childhood programs, discussing current trends, early influences, Head Start, social functions of preschool programs, exemplary programs for disadvantaged children, effects of preschool programs, and characteristics of high quality programs. Section III surveys preschool prekindergarten school programs and services. The survey considers the national perspective, state legislation, characteristics of state-sponsored programs, teacher qualifications, class size and ratios, curriculum, eligibility, services for at-risk children, and programs in Virginia, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Kentucky. Section IV explores implications for policy initiatives. Discussion focuses on benefits of prekindergarten programs, the role of schools, the role of the federal government, legislation enabling preschool programs for at-risk children, the Education of the Handicapped Act, the coordination of state-sponsored programs, state involvement considerations, and other considerations. Appendices provide data on the percentage of 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old children enrolled in preprimary programs in the United States between October 1964 and October 1984, and representative state program funding allocations for 1985-1986. (RH)