Federal dollars help state spend more on preschool

Monday, August 29, 2011

VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) — Thanks to some help from the federal government, Washington is providing more state-subsidized preschool this fall, making early education one of the few places the state budget is increasing this year.

The state preschool program is similar to the federal Head Start subsidized preschool program, but offers fewer hours each session. It also serves families with a slightly higher income — about $24,585 for a family of four.

Children typically learn their numbers and letters in the program, and some can read before they enter kindergarten, Lehrman said, adding that those who have been in the program perform better in school and are less likely to drop out.

"It's time-sensitive," Probst said. "A child doesn't get age 3 and 4 back, and the development that occurs at that moment is vital to their success in school and later in life. It has ripple effects. The positive impacts of early learning continue throughout the K-12 system and further."

http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Federal-dollars-help-state-spend-more-on-preschool-2145983.php