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RAND Releases Third in Preschool Study Series

June 23, 2008
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While California politician's debate supporting preschool for the state's 4 year olds, the RAND Corporation, in its most recent study, found that the children who could benefit most from high quality preschool are least likely to be in it. The RAND report is the first comprehensive statewide look at early care and education for preschool-age children. Researchers found that the quality of the state's preschools is mixed. Most settings are engaging and emotionally supportive, but they fall short on key features that prepare children for kindergarten.

"California must — and can — do better," said Preschool California President Catherine Atkin. "All children deserve access to high-quality preschool that ensures they will start kindergarten with an equal opportunity to learn."

Researchers surveyed a representative group of 2,000 parents with preschool age children, more than 700 providers and about 250 child care and preschool centers. They found, at best, only 15 percent of those children who could benefit most are in high-quality programs that prepare them for success in K-12.

Other report findings include the following:

  • Just under half of 3 and 4 year olds in economically disadvantaged families are in center-based preschool programs of any quality, compared to 70 percent of those in more well off families.
  • Forty-five percent of children whose mothers have less than a high school degree are in center-based preschools, compared to 80 percent of children whose mothers have a graduate or professional degree.
  • Mexican American, African American and low income parents reported the most difficulty finding the care they wanted, according to the parent survey.
  • Quality falls short across the board. There are no demographic or socio-economic groups that, on average, are in high-quality programs that prepare them for kindergarten.

Click here to access the report or go to www.preschoolcalifornia.org to learn more.

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