NEWS

Pre-K policy framework is
now available on FPG website 

By LOYD LITTLE
FPG Child Development Center

CHAPEL HILL -- An extensive pre-kindergarten policy framework is now available on the Internet to help local, state and federal leaders develop and implement high quality pre-K programs.

The framework was developed by staff at the National Prekindergarten Center at the FPG Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 
       
The online policy framework provides:

            • A comprehensive array of topics on the dimensions of high-quality pre-K programs.
            •    Concise, current summaries of pre-K research.
            •    Examples of state programs with links to state pre-K websites.
            •    Bibliographies and web resources on each topic.
       
The UNC-based center focuses mostly on finance, governance and professional development.
       
"The burning question for most policy-makers is, ‘How much will a pre-K program cost?’" said Dr. Kelly Maxwell, who co-directs the center with Dr. Richard Clifford. "Cost is a major barrier to providing voluntary, universal pre-K services. States need accurate cost information and models for how to blend various funding sources to support such services."
        
Governance concerns the role of federal, state and local governments in administrating pre-K programs, Maxwell said. For K-12 education, state and local governments are primarily responsible for educating children, and the federal government provides some support and technical assistance.

"In the pre-K arena, the roles are still unclear," she said.
       
As for professional development, fewer than half of the current teachers of 3- and 4-year-olds in this country have a bachelor’s degree, she said.

"If we want every pre-K teacher to have a B.A. degree, then we will have to work hard to train enough teachers to meet the growing need."
       
One example from the framework’s list of topics is costs. Content includes specific components of costs, the varied funding streams used by different levels of governments and how money is allocated and distributed. Examples of how various states structure those services and programs also are included. 
       
The center web site is www.fpg.unc.edu/~npc/.  The framework will be updated continually.
       
Clifford also is co-director of the National Center for Early Development and Learning, which is conducting a six-state study of pre-K services. Maxwell directed N.C.’s statewide school readiness assessment, co-led the evaluation of the N.C. Smart Start early childhood initiative and is on the N.C. More at Four pre-K evaluation team. Both will continue in those roles and build on their work as part of the National Prekindergarten Center.
      
The center is primarily funded by the Foundation for Child Development.

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Note: Maxwell can be reached at (919) 966-9865 or maxwell@mail.fpg.unc.edu, Clifford at (919) 962-4737 or clifford@mail.fpg.unc.edu

FPG Contact: Loyd Little  919-966-0867 or loyd_little@unc.edu

News Services Contact: David Williamson, (919) 962-8596