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Free Preschool: What It Is and Who It’s For

July 22, 2021 by Danielle Whitefield

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From birth to age 5, your child’s brain will grow more rapidly than any other time in their life. For this reason, it’s important for a child to receive a quality early education. That being said… Let’s talk a little about free preschool.

UNIVERSAL PRESCHOOL

What it is

Universal preschool is a publicly funded preschool that you can send your child to for free. The problem with universal preschool is that not all states and districts provide it, and a lot of the universal preschool programs available don’t meet quality standards for education. Some districts that offer universal preschool may have enrollment requirements.

Who It’s For

Visit NIEER to find out if your state offers universal preschool, and if the universal preschools in your state are meeting quality standards. If your state offers universal preschool, head over to Free Preschools to search for free preschools in your area.

Your state may require you to enroll your preschooler within a specific school district, or you may be able to choose any school you like. If you’re unsure what your state’s requirements are, check out our article HOW TO FIND YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL DISTRICT.

HEAD START PROGRAM

What It is

If your state doesn’t offer universal preschool, don’t lose hope just yet. Head start is a federally funded program dedicated to helping children receive an early education. Head start focuses on:

  • Early learning and development
  • Health
  • Family well being

Because Head Start is family oriented, parents/ guardians are very involved in the program. Programs may provide transportation to and from school, or may even provide in-home services.

Who It’s For

Head start is available for low income families with children from birth to age 5. Head Start offers services to families experiencing homelessness, children in the foster care system, and children with disabilities and other special needs, through four different programs.

1. Head Start

School readiness program for children ages 3-5

2. Early Head Start

Services for infants, toddlers, and pregnant women.

3. American Indian And Alaska Native Head Start

Provides cultural and language practice based on the needs of the community.

4. Migrant And Seasonal Head Start

Provides services to children of agricultural laborers.

Find out more about eligibility requirements, and apply for services here.

K-12 FUNDING FORMULA

What It Is

9 states offer other state funded preschool programs. These states are:

  • Colorado
  • Iowa
  • Kentucky
  • Maine
  • Oklahoma
  • Texas
  • Vermont
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin

Who It’s For

These programs are for anyone that would like to send their child to preschool, and also meet the eligibility requirements that vary by state.

Children's hands painted all different colors with faces painted on in black. Against a black board with green clouds drawn above the children's hands.

Free Preschool: What is it, And Who Is It For?

It’s an early education provided to all who are in need of one.

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PRESCHOOL.ORG supports those serving preschoolers by putting every resource they need in one place so they can save time and money. We are the one-stop resource for preschool parents, teachers, directors, and owners with 700+ articles on parenting tips, teacher strategies, business info, and (our fav) the “50 best” preschool activities for every preschool theme! We aim to simplify preschool so everyone can understand and implement best practices. So, whether you’re raising a preschooler, teaching preschoolers, running a program that serves preschoolers, or wanting to start a preschool… PRESCHOOL.ORG is here to serve you!

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  • Play & Learn
    ▼
    • Curriculum & Lesson Plans
    • By Activity
    • By Alphabet
    • By Bible Story
    • By Book
    • By Celebration
    • By Holiday
    • By Month
    • By Season
    • By Skill
    • By Theme
  • Milestones
    ▼
    • 2 Year Old
    • 3 Year Old
    • 4 Year Old
    • 5 Year Old
    • Developmental Delays
    • Growth & Development
    • Special Needs Children
  • Parent
    ▼
    • Behavior Guidance
    • Everyday Life
    • Family Life Events
    • Going to Kindergarten
    • Going to Preschool
    • Homeschool Preschool
  • Teacher
    ▼
    • Classroom Management
    • Classroom Setup & Layout
    • Daily Schedule
    • Field Trips & Events
    • How to Teach
    • Learning Centers
    • Parent Communication
    • Requirements to Teach
    • Teacher’s Lounge
  • Director/Owner
    ▼
    • Administration
    • Enrollment
    • Funding
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Parent Communication
    • Programs
    • Sell a Preschool
    • Staffing
  • Online Preschool
    ▼
    • Start an Online Preschool
    • Teach Online Preschool
  • Start A Preschool
    ▼
    • Do I Need to Be Licensed?
    • How Do I Sign Up Students?
    • How Do I Start a Preschool?
    • What are the Requirements?
    • What is a Preschool?
    • Who Can Start a Preschool?