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Enrollment in state-funded preschool inched up in 2014-15 school year

early-childhood-educationNEW YORK (AP) — A new national report says the number of 3- and 4-year-olds in state-funded classrooms rose slightly during the 2014-15 school year.

The report from the National Institute for Early Education Research found a wide range in per-pupil spending and quality of programs. New Jersey spent $12,149 for each child enrolled in pre-K compared with $2,304 in Florida and $1,981 in South Carolina.

Total enrollment in 2014-15 increased by 37,167 from the previous year.

Enrollment in state-funded preschool dipped in several states, including Texas, Florida and Wisconsin.

The report tracks quality measures for state-funded preschool such as class sizes and teacher-training requirements. Several states including California, Florida and Texas don’t require preschool teachers to have a college degree.

The report’s authors cite the rapid expansion of pre-K in New York as a model.

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