High-quality pre-K that really improves children's outcomes—that's the goal early childhood professionals will work toward with this groundbreaking text, the first volume in the NEW National Center for Research on Early Childhood Education (NCRECE) series. Combining the most current knowledge of top researchers, policy makers, and federal and state officials, this book examines where pre-K is today and inspires decision-makers with concrete examples of successful programs.

With this in-depth examination of the latest research and practice, readers will be better prepared to

• make a compelling argument for supporting high-quality pre-K, articulating how it boosts children's school readiness and academic performance
• address the complex challenges of expanding pre-K at the national and state level
• understand the pros and cons of different types of pre-K programs: universal vs. targeted, whole day vs. part day, centralized vs. local, one curriculum vs. many
• make informed decisions about the most important issues in program development
To find out what's already working in pre-K program development, readers will get an inside look at five successful state-level programs in New York, Maryland, Louisiana, Georgia, and North Carolina. Through detailed analyses of each program's characteristics, these extended case examples give decision-makers a template for effective, child-centered early education.

An essential resource for policy makers, researchers, and teacher educators, this important volume will help early childhood professionals make progress toward their ultimate goal: pre-K that responds to children's changing needs, helps close the achievement gap, and ensures school readiness.

Critical insights on key issues in pre-K program development:

• program funding
• adherence to early learning standards
• assessment of both children and program quality
• teacher preparation
• class size
• curriculum selection
• technical assistance and other infrastructure needs