Spend A Dollar, Save Seven? What Is The Math Of Early Education Funding In Washington?

The president’s proposal to improve quality and accessibility of preschools includes a cost-sharing partnership with all 50 states. Federal funds would go to expand high-quality public preschools, open to low- and moderate-income four-year-olds from families at or below 200 percent the poverty level.

The US Department of Education funds would be distributed to local school districts and other partners to implement the program.

The proposal includes an incentive for states to broaden participation in their public preschool program for middle-class families, which states may choose to serve in a variety of ways, such as a sliding-scale arrangement.

Democrat Ruth Kagi chairs the House Early Learning and Human Services Committee and represents the 32nd District, including North King and South Snohomish counties. She talks with Ross Reynolds about early education funding in Washington state.