Tennessee’s Pre-K Ranks Top in Nation for Quality

Nashville, TN – Tennessee ranks among the top eight states in the nation for the quality of its pre-K program, meeting nine of 10 national standards defined by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER). NIEER’s 2006 State Preschool Yearbook released today evaluates state-funded preschool programs during the 2005-06 school year.

“Pre-K education is an excellent investment in the future of our state,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “Tennessee’s program requirements demand the highest quality classrooms which pay off for our children’s education. Every community in our state has students and families who benefit from the preparation and resources that a year of pre-K classes provides.”

The state’s pre-K program was able to meet an additional quality standard this year by requiring early health screening in vision and hearing for all pre-K students. Additionally, the state has been working through dual enrollment programs and community colleges to expand the number of licensed assistant teachers. Tennessee requires each pre-K classroom to be served by two staff members: a fully licensed teacher with an endorsement in early childhood education and an assistant teacher who holds or is working towards a child development associate degree.

“Governor Bredesen’s expansion of Tennessee’s pre-K program is improving access for children while maintaining the highest standards of education,” Education Commissioner Lana Seivers said. “We are proud in Tennessee to place quality of pre-K first so every pre-K student receives a top-notch early education experience.”

Tennessee also defied a national trend of shrinking per-pupil resources for early childhood education. Twenty-five states spent less per pre-K student in 2006 while Tennessee’s per-pupil spending increased. Tennessee’s commitment to providing funds to districts for early education placed the state 12th nationwide for resources.

Tennessee was commended by the report for surging ahead of ten states in the number of students who are served by the pre-K program. This school year, Tennessee has 677 state-funded pre-K classrooms operating in 88 counties.

“We have been fortunate to quadruple the number of pre-K classrooms in Tennessee in the last three years,” Early Childhood Education Executive Director Bobbi Lussier said. “Partners like United Way, Head Start and countless private providers have helped us get here. As long as we focus on what is best for children, we can continue further answer the demand from parents for a quality pre-K education.”

Every Tennessee pre-K classroom meets the following NIEER quality standards:

• The teacher has a BA, holds a pre-K endorsement and completes 18 hours of professional development annually.
• The curriculum is based on comprehensive learning standards and includes screenings for vision, hearing, health and support services. Students receive lunch and a snack during the school day.
• The class serves no more than 20 four-year-olds and the staff-child ratio is 1:10.
• Classrooms are monitored through site visits and other methods.

For more information, contact Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@state.tn.us.