More American 4-year-olds than ever are attending state-funded preschools, yet a new report warns that inconsistent quality and uneven access are creating a two-tiered system. “If providing high-quality preschool education to all 3- and 4-year-olds were a race, some states are nearing the finish line, others have stumbled and fallen behind, and a few have yet to leave the starting line,” states the National Institute of Early Education Research (NIEER) in its “State of Preschool: 2025 Yearbook.”
Record Spending, but Not Enough Focus on Quality
Overall, state funding for preschool programs reached an all-time high of nearly $14.4 billion. However, the distribution is highly skewed. California alone accounts for $4.1 billion, while New Jersey and New York contribute $1.2 billion and $1 billion respectively. These three states represent 45% of all state pre-K spending. More than two dozen states increased their preschool budgets, but the rate of growth is slowing. Adjusted for inflation, the average increase per child was just $45 this year—compared to a jump 16 times larger the previous year.
Enrollment Rises, Yet Concerns Over Equity Grow
Enrollment numbers also hit a record high, but experts worry that the expansion is happening without adequate attention to program quality. Allison Friedman-Krauss, associate research professor at NIEER, explains: “We’re trying to make sure states are also thinking about quality. Right now, it’s more about access. And we don't want them to forget about quality.” The uneven landscape means families in states with lower investment may have limited or subpar options, reinforcing a “haves and have-nots” dynamic in early education.
Top-Performing States Per-Child Spending
- New Jersey, Oregon, and the District of Columbia provide more than $15,000 per child enrolled.
- California, Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Mexico, and Washington spend over $10,000 per child.
- Twenty-eight states increased per-child funding in real terms this year.
- Seventeen states actually cut spending per child after adjusting for inflation.
Why Some States Are Cutting Back
The report attributes declines in some states to overall budget deficits and falling enrollment. But researchers stress that it is a matter of priority. For instance, New Jersey faced a budget gap yet invested an additional $100 million to expand preschool for all. Steve Barnett, director of NIEER, notes: “That’s a conscious decision to say we’re going to spend less. And you have to ask if that’s really the best investment for our children’s future.” The discrepancy highlights that political will, not just economic conditions, determines preschool quality.
Quality Factors That Need Attention
Increased funding can be directed toward improving teacher-to-student ratios and raising teacher compensation—both long-standing concerns in the field. Without these investments, even expanded access may fail to deliver the cognitive and social benefits associated with high-quality early education. The NIEER yearbook tracks not just enrollment and spending, but also program standards such as class size, curriculum, and staff qualifications.
Internal Anchor Links
- Top-Performing States Per-Child Spending
- Why Some States Are Cutting Back
- Quality Factors That Need Attention
Looking Ahead: Balancing Access and Excellence
As more states pour money into preschool, the challenge remains: ensure that every child—regardless of ZIP code—has access to a program that is not just available, but genuinely high-quality. Policymakers must resist the temptation to prioritize rapid expansion at the expense of meaningful standards. The NIEER report serves as a call to action: spend more, but spend smarter.