Legislators Interested In Expanding Statewide Pre-K

A new report outlines the needs and improvements of Indiana\’s early childhood education system. (photo credit: Rachel Morello/StateImpact Indiana)

Indiana’s governor and legislative leaders have agreed to expand the state’s foray into state-funded pre-K, but uncertainties about its effectiveness are causing some lawmakers to question the scope and cost of such an expansion.

The Journal Gazette reports that the pilot cost about $10 million to get started, and served about 2,300 disadvantaged children in five counties during its first year. The program’s second year starts in August.

There is no data that gauges the program’s value, and a full study tracking the children’s performance through third grade is not expected until 2020.

Senate President Pro Tem David Long says the legislature needs to assess where the greatest need is and expand the program from there.​