Oklahoma climbs to third in the country for Pre-K access for 4-year-olds

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — According to a report from the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER)), Oklahoma climbs to third in the country for Pre-K access for 4-year-olds.

In the same report last year, Oklahoma scored among the top eight states in the nation.

Oklahoma serves 86.5% of eligible 4-year-old children when public pre-kindergarten enrollment (76.3%) is combined with Head Start enrollment, the annual report states. Only the District of Columbia (87.3%) and Vermont (86.8%) serve more students.

“Oklahoma has a long tradition of excellence in early childhood education and stands out in the level of professionalism and expertise of Oklahoma’s Pre-K teachers. Preparing our children to be ready to read by kindergarten remains a key priority here as we value the health and development of our youngest learners,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, NIEER introduced a policy recommendation advising Pre-K programs to quickly develop guidelines to provide emergency services and educate young children remotely for the remainder of this school year and for the coming summer and fall.

Oklahoma launched its Early Childhood Four-Year-Old Program in 1980, years ahead of the rest of the country. In 1998, Oklahoma became only the second state to offer Pre-K for all 4-year-olds, with 99% of school districts participating.