Done right, all children benefit from early childhood education, regardless of family income or zip code. High-quality Pre-K improves children’s school readiness and success: they enter school better prepared and are less likely to repeat a grade or be referred to special education. Long-term benefits include higher high-school graduation rates, lower rates of crime and teen pregnancy, higher lifetime earnings, and better health outcomes.
As we close out a school year that was fundamentally altered by the COVID-19 pandemic, this page will offer resources on both the importance of Pre-K programs and adjusting Pre-K programs in cities across the country as they are planning for an uncertain fall.
High-quality, Accessible Pre-Kindergarten Policy Page
Webinar
CityHealth Resources
- High-Quality Accessible Pre-K Policy Breakdown
- Pre-K in American Cities
- CityHealth and NIEER, 2019 Pre-K Webinar Series
Learning and Advocacy Resources
- Recommendations for Home Learning Materials, District Innovation and Leadership for Early Education
- Pre-K Remote Learning with Google Suite Guide, Chicago Public Schools
- Pre-K Remote Learning Implementation in Early Childhood, Chicago Public Schools
- Lessons from the Great Recession, Maryland Center On Economic Policy
- Holding On Until Help Comes, NAEYC
Other Resources
- CDC, Guidelines for Childcare, Schools, and Youth Programs
- American Academy of Pediatrics, COVID-19 Planning Considerations: Guidance for School Re-entry
- Chicago Public Schools, COVID-19 webpage
- Chicago Public Schools, Chicago PrE-Learning
- Chicago Public Schools, Pre-K Learning Packets
