Preschool for All in Maryland Report and Recommendations by the Task Force on Universal Preschool Education August 2008

Prekindergarten  27,300 preK students  30% over 2002  35% of all 4-year-olds 33% of Maryland 4-year-olds live in low-income households  24%: Full-day preK 76%: Half-day preK

School Readiness

MSA: 3 rd -grade Reading 34-point gap 20-point gap

MSA: 3 rd -grade Math 32-point gap 22-point gap

Task Force Representation Provider Groups Local School Systems Maryland Association of Boards of Education Higher Education Chamber of Commerce Parents

Task Force Recommendations  Expand prekindergarten to provide access to all four-year olds regardless of income.  Provide preK access in diverse early childhood settings.  Maintain current preK standards.  Improve the workforce in early childhood education.

Next Steps  Established work group to develop a statewide business plan  Submit business plan to State Board  Established six pilot sites