Understanding the Cost to Deliver High-Quality Publicly Funded Pre-Kindergarten Programs

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Karoly, Lynn A.

Contributor:

Cannon, Jill S.

Gomez, Celia J.

Whitaker, Anamarie A.

Language:

English

Place of Publication:

Santa Monica, Calif. RAND Corporation 2021

Summary:

States and localities throughout the United States are expanding their investments in pre-kindergarten (pre-K) programs. Although spending on publicly funded pre-K programs is well documented, relatively less is known about the true cost to deliver the programs, especially considering varying quality standards and accounting for the resources used at both the provider and system levels. This report attempts to help fill that knowledge gap. The researchers examine seven pre-K systems across six jurisdictions and use two analytical methods — cost data collection and cost modeling — to estimate the cost of a high-quality pre-K program. They also explore whether state-provided funding appears to be adequate to cover the costs of providing high-quality programs. Finally, the researchers outline the challenges in understanding full pre-K program costs and the implications for policymakers and future research. Having a better understanding of the expected costs may inform the initial planning for or expansion of a pre-K investment, guide the mechanism for reimbursing providers of the pre-K program, support estimates of the incremental cost of further quality investments, and even identify the quality enhancements that are the most cost-effective.