Providing an opportunity for all 3- and 4-year-olds in Ohio to access high-quality preschool will require funding. However, it is already happening in multiple states which fund it in various ways. Some use the K-12 funding formula, while others use lottery funds, sports betting taxes, tobacco taxes, and federal expansion grants. The funding is there, and the cost-to-benefit ratio supports universal preschool. A study from the UpJohn Institute found that for every $1 spent, the gain for the community was $1.84.
Some may question: how can we expand preschool access in Ohio? We can look to local programs like Preschool Promise, which have been working to offer affordable preschool in Southwest Ohio. Others may ask: who will say what is high-quality and ensure quality is maintained? Fortunately, we already have Ohio’s Step Up to Quality program.
Not only is universal preschool feasible in Ohio, but there are many benefits to implementing this policy. When universal preschool was implemented in the District of Columbia, researchers found that the number of mothers who entered the workforce increased by 12%. Imagine how much families would benefit from the added income of another person entering the workforce. A review of research on the economic effects of access to high-quality preschool has found a reduction in future crime and public assistance, increases in elementary test scores, high school graduation, and work productivity in students who attended such programs.
With test scores currently falling in the state, it is time to shift our focus to providing children with the best opportunities, starting with universal preschool. We can’t afford not to.
Tiffany Berman is an early childhood educator and a doctoral student in the educational studies program at the University of Cincinnati.
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