The American Public and Preschool Issues National Governors Association Orlando, Florida December 16, 2003 Christopher Blunt, Ph.D. Overbrook Research

The Landscape State government budgets. Education remains untouchable. Voters understand the importance of the early years, and they think something ought to change, but still need to be convinced about making commitment of public resources.

What do you think is the most important age for developing a child’s CAPACITY to learn? Source: National poll of 803 adults, conducted June 4-6, 2002

Early Years and Child Care Mean: Source: Illinois Statewide survey. February 15-19, N=600 Registered Voters.

If we want to improve the learning experiences of children, which time period is MOST important for investing public funds? Source: National poll of 803 adults, conducted June 4-6, 2002

In order to help all children be prepared to learn when they enter school, some people have proposed making quality early learning programs more available to children before they enter kindergarten. Would you favor or oppose using public money to fund high-quality, voluntary preschool programs for 3 and 4 year olds? Source: National poll of 803 adults, conducted June 4-6, 2002

Preschool Funding by Partisanship Source: National poll of 803 adults, conducted June 4-6, 2002

Preschool Funding: Age/Gender Source: National poll of 803 adults, conducted June 4-6, 2002

Preschool Funding by Race Source: National poll of 803 adults, conducted June 4-6, 2002

Preschool Funding by Income Source: National poll of 803 adults, conducted June 4-6, 2002

What Should Preschool be Like? More important for older kids. Younger kids should be home. Social skill development should be a key aim. Half or part day programs, and not every day.

Paying For It Roughly a third say they would pay more in taxes. (Younger women, stay at home moms, better educated, have younger kids) Most want it paid for in the existing budget. Tobacco settlement dollars a credible possibility.

Winning Message Keys Retail Messengers: Pediatricians. Wholesale/Media Messengers: Kindergarten Teachers. Framing is essential: competing for education dollars versus enhancing the educational experience. Keep the focus positive.

Winning Messages The state spends money on elementary schools because educating kids makes society better off. It therefore makes sense for the state to support early childhood programs that help kids prepare for school State spending on early childhood programs is truly an investment, because kids with better early childhood learning experiences do better in school, are more productive as adults, and stay out of crime Motivate young children to become problem-solvers who are more successful in school, work, and communities Strengthens families by giving parents resources they need.

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