New data from the National Survey for Children’s Health reveals a significant gap in kindergarten readiness between children from low-income and high-income families. Nationally, nearly two-thirds of children are reported as on track for kindergarten, but there is an approximately 20% difference between the poorest and wealthiest families. The survey, administered by the U.S. Census Bureau, collects responses from thousands of parents on early learning, social-emotional development, self-regulation, motor development, and health.
Low-income children often lack access to high-quality early learning opportunities that boost school readiness. However, the proportion of on-track children from families below the federal poverty line has trended upward in recent years. City and state programs are expanding preschool for low-income families to accelerate this progress, amid rising child care costs.
San Antonio’s Pre-K 4 SA program is a prime example. Funded by a city sales tax and launched in 2013, it offers 2,000 preschool seats for 3- and 4-year-olds, with 80% free for qualifying families. Last year, it added four infant and toddler classrooms. The program provides a broad mix of services to address obstacles from poverty.
Students who completed Pre-K 4 SA score higher than the state average on third-grade math and reading, according to the Urban Education Institute at the University of Texas at San Antonio. CEO Sarah Baray says the program’s high quality attracts even families who could afford other options. Similar citywide early childhood programs have emerged in Denver, New York, Boston, and Chicago.
Experts agree that high-quality standards, such as smaller class sizes and low child-to-staff ratios, boost school readiness. Pre-K 4 SA uses a 'whole child' approach focusing on socioemotional learning. Teacher Deziree Arce, who grew up low-income, says she gives children opportunities she never had. The program also incorporates motor skills development.
