Oklahoma succeeding at Pre-k
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma ranks fifth in the country for Pre-k access for 4-year-olds, according to a new report from the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER). Oklahoma also scores among the top 11 states in the nation for quality Pre-k programs.
Oklahoma serves 80% of eligible 4-year-old children when public pre-kindergarten enrollment (70%) is combined with Head Start enrollment, the annual report
states. Oklahoma also received high marks for its investment in Pre-k programs. According to NIEER, Oklahoma was one of only five states that spends enough to pay for high-quality, fullday Pre-k.
In addition, Oklahoma was named a leader in policies to support standards for high-quality Pre-k education for the third year in a row. Only 11 states met at least nine of the 10 benchmark categories, which include academic standards and staff professional development.
“Oklahoma has a history of excellence with its Pre-k programs because Oklahoma educators know academic success begins with early immersion in reading and math, coupled with evidencebacked, play-based learning,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister. “After an enrollment drop in early childhood this year because of the pandemic, we are already seeing a dramatic rebound in enrollment for next school year.”
Oklahoma is one of the few states requiring Pre-k teachers to hold a bachelor’s degree with teaching certification, and it ensures them equal pay with other grade-level teachers. Pre-k teachers in Oklahoma also have the same individualized professional development opportunities as other teachers at the state level.
Oklahoma launched its Early Childhood Four-year-old Program in 1980, years ahead of the rest of the country. In 1998, Oklahoma became only the second state to offer Pre-k for all 4-year-olds, with 99% of school districts participating.
Oklahoma’s commitment to early education is evident in the state’s eight-year strategic plan, Oklahoma Edge. The comprehensive education plan, required by the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, lists one of the state’s six primary goals as aligning early childhood education and learning foundations to ensure at least 75% of students are “ready to read” upon kindergarten entry.