Washington spends big on early education. So, why is it so hard to get your kid into preschool?

Getting your kid into preschool is hard in Washington state.

A lot of parents may not need that spelled out for them, but a new report from the National Institute for Early Education Research confirmed as much.

According to the report, Washington ranked 33rd in preschool access for 4-year-olds. The state faired a bit better for 3-year-olds, ranking 17th in the country.

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Yet Washington ranks eighth in terms of spending. So, what gives?

"This report looks at two specific programs in Washington," explained Washington State Standard reporter Laurel Demkovich, who's been looking into the report.

Families who need care for their 3-year-olds can get access through the state's Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program. Meanwhile, 4- and 5-year-olds who aren't yet eligible to start kindergarten can use a program called "transitional kindergarten."

Demkovich said the state has increased funding for child care programs in recent years, including passing the Fair Start for Kids Act a few years ago. That act put money from the state capitol gains tax towards early education and child care.

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But this issue goes beyond funding, Demkovich said.

"There are still really big issues with providers and the workforce just not being there," Demkovich explained. "Childcare providers in Washington don't necessarily make a livable wage. A lot of them don't have health care, they don't have these other benefits. And then, they just don't necessarily have opportunities to grow, or they don't feel supported within their roles for a myriad of reasons."

Pre-school special education teacher Ashley agreed with that statement.

Ashley, who's last name we're not using due to protect her privacy, has worked in the field of early special education for 11 years. She's in a slightly different position from a lot of preschool teachers: she’s a certified special education instructor, working for a school district. That means she gets paid the same as any other teacher in the school district.

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But that’s not the case for her co-workers.

"The other three adults in my classroom are lucky if they make $30 an hour," she said. "The money that they make just ends up not being worth it."

That rate of pay leads to a lot of turnover, she said. And because people aren’t paid more when they invest in education, they don’t always have the right training to help young children effectively.

Ashley said she hopes Washington will establish a state-funded preschool program — and that preschool teachers will be paid the same as any other teachers in the state.