Across the U.S., children participating in preschool or nursery programs have a higher likelihood of graduating from high school, enrolling in college, and are less likely to be a special education student or held back in grade school.
According to Census, "a nursery school is defined as a group or class that is organized to provide educational experiences for children during the year or years preceding kindergarten. It includes instruction as an important and integral phase of its program of child care. Private homes in which essentially custodial care is provided are not considered nursery schools. Children enrolled in Head Start programs or similar programs sponsored by local agencies to provide preschool education to young children are counted under nursery school." Whether in half- or full-day programs, the child is counted as in preschool or a nursery.
In Washington State, early learning programs include the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), a comprehensive child development program funded by the state, and Head Start, which is funded by the federal government. Children enrolled in Early Head Start, an early learning program for pregnant mothers and children up to age 3, are not included in this indicator.
Enrollment levels are closely tied to available funding. As a stand-alone figure, it does not reflect the demand or need for child development programs among low-income children. To gain a better understanding of enrollment trends, this indicator provides enrollment shares in relation to the overall population of children ages 3 and 4.
According to the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), both ECEAP and Head Start provide support for:
- Child development and learning.
- Families.
- Health and nutrition.
Across the U.S., children participating in these programs have a higher likelihood of graduating from high school, enrolling in college, and are less likely to be a special education student or held back in grade school.
This indicator measures the total and share of children ages 3 and 4 enrolled in preschool in Walla Walla & Columbia Counties combined. Washington State is offered as a benchmark.
According to the US Census Bureau, the pandemic made the collection of accurate one-year estimates for the American Community Survey (ACS) impossible in 2020. Five-year estimates might be available for popular series in early 2022.