Idaho’s pre-K classes lack state funding

Idaho differs from 38 other states when it comes to state funding for pre-kindergarten programs.

The Gem State is one of only 12 states in the United States that does not provide state funding for pre-kindergarten classes, according to a 2007 study completed by the National Institute for Early Education Research at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J. While federal dollars are available for pre-kindergarten classes with special needs children, there’s nothing in place for all youngsters under 5 years old.

That’s something that state Sen. Mike Burkett, D-Boise, eventually would like to see change in Idaho. According to a study prepared at Boise State University, offering pre-kindergarten classes to all low-income children in the state would cost less than $17 million annually.

By Ben Botkin
Times-News writer

Full Story: http://www.magicvalley.com/articles/2008/10/04/news/top_story/145762.txt