Oklahoma among best in country for Pre-K access for 4-year-olds, report shows

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH)--Oklahoma ranks fifth in the country for Pre-K access for four-year-olds, according to a report from the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER).

In addition to this, the report found that Oklahoma is also among the top 11 states in the nation for quality Pre-K programs.

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The annual report showed that Oklahoma serves 80 percent of eligible four-year-old children when public pre-kindergarten enrollment is combined with Head Start enrollment.

According to the report, Oklahoma was one of only five states that spends enough to pay for high-quality, full-day Pre-K.

“Oklahoma has a history of excellence with its Pre-K programs because Oklahoma educators know academic success begins with early immersion in reading and math, coupled with evidence-backed, play-based learning,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister. “After an enrollment drop in early childhood this year because of the pandemic, we are already seeing a dramatic rebound in enrollment for next school year.”

Oklahoma is one of the only states that require Pre-K teachers to hold a bachelor's degree with teaching certification. The state ensures Pre-K teachers equal pay with other grade-level teachers.