By Dr. Brandon Enos
The lack of full-day prekindergarten (pre-K) funding in Texas is not just an educational issue, it is a pressing concern that carries long-term consequences for students, families, and the broader community. When children are denied the benefits of full-day pre-K, the challenges they face in early education are intensified, creating a ripple effect that impacts their entire academic journey and beyond.
The Urgency of Early Intervention
One of the most alarming outcomes of inadequate pre-K funding is the struggle with literacy that many children experience. Research by the IRIS Center shows that students who are not reading on grade level by first grade have only a 13 percent chance of improving their literacy skills to be considered on grade level by fourth grade. More troubling, 2023 data from Regis College indicates that two-thirds of students reading significantly below grade level in fourth grade end up in jail or dependent on welfare services as adults. These statistics underscore the critical importance of early intervention. Gaps in literacy and numeracy must be identified and addressed as early as possible, as these foundational skills are vital to a child’s future learning and overall academic success.
The Consequences of Inadequate Funding
The absence of full-day pre-K funding leads to several significant issues:
- Learning Gaps: Children who attend only half-day pre-K programs are disadvantaged compared to those in full-day programs. They miss crucial hours of foundational instruction and enrichment, leading to gaps in their academic readiness by the time they reach kindergarten. These gaps are particularly concerning in literacy, where early setbacks can have a devastating impact on a child’s ability to learn in the future. Recognizing this, many schools in Texas have taken on the burden of funding their full-day pre-K programs, acknowledging the immense struggle that comes with trying to remediate academic deficiencies in kindergarten and first grade.
- Long-Term Academic Struggles: The lack of full-day pre-K puts many students at a significant disadvantage that can persist throughout their academic careers. Without the early and consistent support that full-day programs provide, these students are more likely to fall behind and continue to struggle with academic performance long after the initial learning gaps arise.
- Kindergarten Readiness: Students entering kindergarten without the benefits of a full-day pre-K experience often require additional support, placing an extra burden on elementary schools to provide remedial education and resources. Addressing literacy and numeracy gaps early is essential, as these skills form the foundation of all future academic success.
- Long-Term Costs: While not funding full-day pre-K might seem like a cost-saving measure in the short term, it often results in much higher long-term costs. Educational deficits that go unaddressed in early childhood can lead to an increased demand for special education services and other costly interventions later in a child’s academic career.
A Call to Action
Addressing these issues requires bold and decisive action from Texas state legislators. We must increase our investment in early childhood education, particularly by expanding funding to support full-day pre-K programs across the state.
This investment is not just about providing more hours of instruction—it is about giving every child the opportunity to start school on a level playing field. It is about recognizing that early intervention is crucial and that it is far more effective and less costly to address gaps in literacy and numeracy during the early years than to attempt to remediate them later.
Legislative Action Needed
Join me in calling on our Texas state legislators to prioritize the future of our children by ensuring that every child has access to a full-day pre-K program. This investment is an investment in the future of our state, one that will yield dividends in the form of a more educated, skilled, and capable workforce, and a society where every individual is provided the opportunity to succeed.
The time to act is now. By increasing funding for full-day pre-K during the upcoming 89th legislative session, Texas can lead the way in providing a strong educational foundation for all children, ensuring that they are prepared not just for kindergarten, but for a lifetime of learning and achievement.
Dr. Brandon Enos is the superintendent of Cushing ISD in Cushing, Texas. He is an advocate for public education and is the Chairman for the Texas Rural Education Association’s Legislative Committee.
