New Report: School Readiness in Pennsylvania

Posted by on November 30, 2009

PPC report says state gaining ground on school readiness

Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children has released its annual report on school readiness highlighting key indicators that illustrate the health, education and well-being of the state’s children.

The report shows steady growth in early education programs including pre-K and full-day kindergarten. Full-day kindergarten enrollment grew seven percent from 2008 to 2009 to its current level of 66 percent. And, expansion of pre-K is a strong sign of Pennsylvania’s continuing commitment to early education.

Yet, only 17 percent of all 3- and 4- year olds in the Commonwealth had access to publicly-funded pre-K in 2009. Also of interest, families are turning to public programs, such as Child Care Works, during these trying economic times. Unfortunately, funding for child care is failing to keep pace with demand.

“Pennsylvania has remained consistent in growing its investments in early education programs that make a difference in a child’s life,” said PPC’s Joan L. Benso. “But at the same time, more growth is needed to keep up with the demand for programs and services.”

For more information, click here.

http://www.papartnerships.org/sr2009/