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NEA Issue Explainer

Early Childhood Education

Universal pre-K and Kindergarten give children the foundation they need for a lifetime of learning and success.
Kindergarten students children surrond teacher reading Photo by Yan Krukov from Pexels
Published: December 2, 2021
This issue explainer originally appeared on NEA.org

Providing a high-quality education for children before they turn five yields significant medium- and long-term benefits for students.

Children in early childhood education programs are:

  • Less likely to repeat a grade
  • Less likely to be identified as having special needs
  • More prepared academically for later grades
  • More likely to graduate from high school
  • Higher earners in the workforce

Access to effective, diverse programs breaks down structural barriers that have prevented all children–particularly children of color and children from disadvantaged families–from achieving their full potential.

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