Universal Pre-Kindergarten
Pre-Kindergarten
Four-year-old children would attend half-day classes during the school year, at the cost of about $7,500 per child. Currently in Minnesota, it is defined as ‘voluntary pre-kindergarten’ as only 4,000 positions are funded by the state government. However, Gov Walz has stated that Pre-Kindergarten provides the ‘biggest bang for our buck,’ and it will be the cornerstone of his next budget.
What does this mean for families that are in Pre-Kindergarten?
Families that rely on daycare are still responsible for 180 days of ½ daycare and 70 days of full daycare.
This solution appears to have little value for impoverished families.
How does this solution compare to peer-reviewed research?
Simply put, it doesn’t, using common sense. Support for the children most at risk needs to be year-round and a full day to make a substantial impact.
• Scientists have determined that the first three years of life are foundational. This starts at four, which is too late.
• Executive function and self-regulation skills critical for success at school. Behavior problems will result if development is not started very early.
• Vocabulary differences can be seen at 16 months based on parents’ level of education. The difference in vocabulary at 4 can’t be overcome.
• Third-grade reading scores can be predicted at two-years of age.
• Children that are behind their peers know it, and that affects their self-esteem.
Economics of Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK)
The average number of births in Minnesota is approximately 69,000, and the average number of students in each grade in school is about 68,000.
The Minnesota Department of Education has determined that 57,000 children would be considered full enrollment. Based on states that have UPK, this seems to be a fair number.
Cost of UPK
Students 57,000, based on state-provided information
The average cost of a full-time student in kindergarten through 12th grade, $12,692, https://247wallst.com/special-report/2018/01/29/states-with-the-best-and-worst-schools-6/3/).
Assuming full day, for school year $725,000,000
Assuming ½ days, for the school year, at 60% $7,615 totaling $434,000,000
• The total cost of UPK would appear to be $434 Million. However, that may be a very low estimate due to a number of variables including, a closer range would be $500 million to $750 Million due to:
• Student-teacher ratios would have to be lower due to the children’s age.
• Available classrooms, if classrooms are not available, there would be a considerable cost increase.
• Supplies
• The cost of additional services may be higher due to the age and maturity of these children.
Graduation rates by school districts
Eighteen school districts graduate 100% of eligible students.
Eighty-four school districts graduate over 96% of eligible students, including larger school districts like Wayzata, Eden Prairie, and Edina.
Wayzata School District
In 2018 Wayzata graduating class had 836 students, of whom 23 did not graduate on schedule.
The cost of UPK in Wayzata would be over $6M.
Unintended Consequences
• This solution will put additional stress on an already beleaguered daycare industry by taking the most profitable child out. Minnesota Department of Human Services regulates the number of adults to children in a licensed daycare. Starting with infants, the ratio is 4 babies to one adult, up to four-year-old that need only one adult for every 10. The higher the proportion of children to adults, the lower the cost of service. Four-year-old children are the most profitable age group in daycares.
• Families will still have to find daycare for ½ days, and for times when schools are not in session.
Summary of UPK
This solution does not line up with peer-reviewed research.
It does not support children during critical years of development.
This does little to reduce the need for special education.
Families with four-year-old children still must find half-day daycare and daycare during times schools are out of session.
Statistical data from states that have been operating UPK for extended periods do not support this solution.
“The democratic party is jumping into bed with teachers’ unions.”
Andrew Yang, From the Democratic Debate 9/12/2019
Perhaps the expertise to solve this problem is in Minnesota already. The University of Minnesota has an Achievement Gap team.