As Colorado prepares to launch universal preschool, Utah is planning to expand its full-day kindergarten offerings.
Currently, 30% of Utah students have access to full-day kindergarten, compared to 80% of students across the rest of the U.S.
Anna Thomas, senior policy analyst for the nonprofit child advocacy program Voices for Utah Children, said Utah does not have the systemic approach that Colorado does.
"We are still struggling to get our state leaders, specifically leadership in the Legislature, to understand that in order to do well in first grade, lots of kids in the state need a lot of help in kindergarten that you can’t do in two and a half hours," Thomas said.
What's the argument for universal preschool?
Supporters say expanding access to early childhood education can close achievement gaps earlier and help learners rebound from the impacts of the pandemic.
What are the challenges of universal preschool?
Terri Mitchell, Canyons School District’s early childhood administrator in Utah, said it's important for families to have options for their needs. It may be unrealistic to expect some children to handle a structured classroom setting at that age.
It can also be difficult to maintain sufficient staff for preschool programs.
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