A Comprehensive Analysis of Prekindergarten in Maryland
Prepared for the Maryland State Department of Education in 2016
This report begins with a literature review discussing prekindergarten in the U.S. The literature review notes an increasing national interest in prekindergarten; summarizes historical and recent studies of prekindergarten programs; and highlights factors that influence prekindergarten quality and subsequent outcomes. Based on the information presented in the literature review, the study team proceeds with the assumption that prekindergarten is beneficial.
Following the literature review, the report presents an analysis of Maryland’s current prekindergarten capacity, enrollment, and quality distribution. The analysis covers district services as well as private provider services. After this analysis, the report reviews Maryland’s current prekindergarten funding streams.
Next, the report compares Maryland to 11 other states and D.C. in terms of statewide prekindergarten enrollment, funding, and quality standards. The study team chose comparison states based on proximity to Maryland and/or percentage of four-year-olds enrolled in state prekindergarten.
After the comparative analysis, the report presents a cost-benefit analysis. To estimate prekindergarten’s impact on Maryland, the cost-benefit analysis assesses the benefits of prekindergarten attendance by Maryland four-year-olds. It estimates the costs of high-quality prekindergarten in various settings in the State, then calculates the per child ROI and the statewide ROI for universal high-quality prekindergarten.
The study concludes with five recommendations for the State:
Continue to invest in early childhood data systems and use the data systems to establish targets for the number of high-quality prekindergarten slots available in each district;
Understand the differences in ROI between a one-year investment and a two-year investment in prekindergarten, and target expenditures accordingly.
Increase the ROI of prekindergarten by increasing investment to support child care centers and family homes in reaching the highest levels of Maryland EXCELS.
Increase the ROI of prekindergarten by encouraging providers to participate in Maryland EXCELS and by encouraging parents to enroll their children in quality programs.
Offer universal prekindergarten in Maryland, providing funding for 80 percent of Maryland’s four-year-olds to attend either a public prekindergarten program or a private program that has received a rating of Level 5 in Maryland EXCELS or has national or state accreditation.
Following these recommendations, the report summarizes three additional considerations for Maryland to consider as the State moves forward. These considerations include options for creating the additional capacity needed to expand prekindergarten access, an approach to phase in universal access, and two options for funding universal prekindergarten.