4K enrollment shows steady growth

Enrollment in 4-year-old kindergarten in Wisconsin shows continued growth, with 24,078 students enrolled in 4K programs in 257 school districts for the current academic year. “School districts throughout the state have embraced 4K programming because they know it is right for their children, their families, and their communities,” said State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster.

4K enrollment has grown by 66 percent in Wisconsin over the past six years. The nearly 15 percent jump this year is the largest year-to-year growth during that time frame. Twenty-four Wisconsin school districts added 4K this year, and half of those new districts are using community approaches to provide early childhood educational services.

Through community approaches, school districts provide 4K programs in partnership with local Head Start, preschool, and child care providers. The 4K programs may be held in school buildings, combine 4K and early childhood special education, place 4K teachers in child care or Head Start centers, or provide services through 4K contracts with child care or Head Start centers. This community-based, public/private collaboration serves children, their families, and the local economy. Community approaches also maximize resources, such as program space, licensed staff, and school library, health, and counseling services.

“School districts and Head Start and child care providers are working together to remove barriers so they can provide high-quality early education for their children,” Burmaster said. “These partnerships are tremendously important in expanding 4K and showing other communities how they can provide 4K for their children, too.”

Various research studies on well-designed early childhood programs show that quality early learning programs lay a foundation for future social, emotional, and cognitive development. Early childhood programs prepare youngsters to learn and to successfully transition into school by bridging the effects of poverty, allowing children from economically disadvantaged families to gain an equal footing with their peers.

Reports show that young children attending quality early education programs do better in school, have fewer referrals for special education, and are more likely to graduate, reducing remediation and school costs. Research also shows that as adults, children involved in high-quality preschool programs are less likely to be involved in crime and are more likely to be employed taxpayers, which reduces the social costs of underemployment and correctional and social service programs.

A list of school districts providing 4K is available following the complete news release.

Last updated on 11/20/2006