Too many of the District’s children start school already behind in their basic skills, continue to stay behind as they move through their education, and ultimately get left behind in the modern global marketplace. Quality pre-k for all lays a social, emotional and academic foundation that enables children to arrive at Kindergarten ready to learn and prepared for a successful K-12 experience.
The research indicates that children who went to quality pre-k are more likely to perform better on 4th grade reading and math standardized tests. They are also less likely to be forced to repeat a grade or be referred to remediation or special education programs. Ultimately, students who received a quality pre-k foundation, graduate high school and go on to college at higher rates than their peers who did not attend quality pre-k.
These benefits to children translate into systemic cost-savings for the District of Columbia. In fact, according to Pre-K for All DC’s latest report, if every child had access to a high-quality, two-year pre-k program, the District of Columbia would save $29.88 million in lowered rates of special education and grade retention and increases in student achievement.