Pre-Pandemic Early Childhood Enrollment Expanded as More Enrolled in Public Preschool

Heightened focus on early childhood education programs as preschool enrollment increased before COVID-19. Learn more in this story.

America Counts: Stories Behind the Numbers Pre-Pandemic Early Childhood Enrollment Expanded as More Enrolled in Public Preschool State funding of preschool programs surpassed $9 billion in the District of Columbia and the 44 states that funded preschools in the 2019-20 school year and policymakers are increasingly focusing on early childhood education, including the current administration's proposed initiative of universal pre-school for 3- and 4-year-olds. These initiatives may facilitate more preschool enrollment, which research links to improved academic and behavioral outcomes for children later in life. Read More U.S. Census Bureau analysis of data from the American Community Survey (ACS) from 2005 to 2019 shows the percentage of children ages 3 and 4 enrolled in preschool overall went up during that period. Along with the overall growth in enrollment, 2005 to 2019 saw a major shift in the type of preschools parents chose: Public schools became much more prominent. Continue reading to learn more about: Changes in types of preschools Differences by state Enrollment during the pandemic Help us spread the word about America Counts. Share this story on social media or forward it to a friend. Share This You May Be Interested U.S. Spending on Public Schools in 2019 Highest Since 2008: New Annual Survey of School System Finances data show the nation spent $752.3 billion on its 48 million children in public schools in 2019. Learn More About America Counts America Counts tells the stories behind the numbers in a new inviting way. It features stories on various topics such as families, housing, employment, business, education, economy, emergency management, health, population, income and poverty. Contact our Public Information Office for media inquiries or interviews. Don't miss an America Counts story! Subscribe here.

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