Illinois’ governor on Wednesday plans to propose universal schooling for 3- and 4-year-olds, starting with $440 million to finance 5,000 additional seats this fall, more childcare opportunities and facility construction.
He envisions a four-year plan in which annual increases in funding — although smaller than in the initial year — would make room for the approximately 20,000 children whose families desire pre-K but can’t because of a lack of space.
“We’re attempting to cover the lowest income kids who don’t have spots available to them first, but it will also depend upon where the availability can be made in this fiscal year,” Pritzker said. “There may be places where it will take us a couple of years to build out the capability.” About 10 states offer universal preschool, including Wisconsin. Colorado is gearing up to offer it this fall and Michigan Democratic for schooling, hiring teachers and transporting 5,600 4-year-olds.
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