States invest in the future – pre-kindergarten education for all 3- and 4-year-olds makes children better learners

A growing number of states are offering to pick up the tab for pre-kindergarten education for all 3- and 4-year-olds, with an eye to making children better learners.

Good pre-K programs, experts say, encourage kids to be creative, and teach new words and math and science concepts through play, not lectures. (Related story: What makes a good program) http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2005-08-07-pre-k-side_x.htm

Research from as far back as the 1960s demonstrates that 3- and 4-year-olds who get high-quality education before entering kindergarten do better in higher grades and are more likely to finish school and stay out of prison, says Sherry Cleary of the University of Pittsburgh.

By Raju Chebium, Gannett News Service

Full Story: http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2005-08-07-states-pre-k_x.htm