Poll shows strong public support for pre-k standards

Seventy-three percent of likely South Dakota voters support a proposal in the Legislature that would create standards and accountability for pre-kindergarten programs receiving state funds.

Results of the poll, conducted in January 2008 by Zogby International, were released by South Dakota Voices for Children. Senate Bill 26 gives the state Board of Education authority to adopt such standards, while stating that pre-kindergarten attendance is a matter of parent choice.

Support was consistent across gender, political and geographical lines:

• 77 percent of women polled support the measure; 69 percent of men support the measure;
  
• 76 percent of Democrats and Independents polled support the measure; 69 percent of Republicans support the measure;
  
• 78 percent of likely West River voters polled support the measure: 71 percent of East River voters support the measure.
  

Investing in high quality pre-kindergarten for children from at-risk circumstances gives them the foundation they need to succeed in school, according to Susan Randall, executive director of South Dakota Voices for Children. She points to numerous studies that document such investments reduce special education costs, increase high school graduation rates and employment, and avert the social crime and welfare.

Studies show that for every dollar invested in early education for children from poverty, more than $7 in public funds are saved. ?High quality instruction and program quality assures that return on investment,? Randall said. ?Quality early education is critical to ensure that these children have an equal opportunity to learn and achieve.?

Governor Mike Rounds? 2010 Education Goals call for a pre-k program that targets children from eligible low-income families. But while two-thirds of states have enacted quality standards for such programs, South Dakota has not. Senate Bill 26 will assure that teachers and programs lay a foundation for children?s continued learning ? including appropriate teacher-child ratios, group size, health and safety and developmentally appropriate materials for play and learning. Enrollment in the pre-k program would be voluntary for parents of eligible children.

Randall noted that standards would not apply to private providers, unless they choose to partner with a school district to offer pre-k services to eligible children.

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