EDC Talks: Examining Research on Universal Prekindergarten

An increasing number of communities in the United States are implementing free, universal prekindergarten (pre-K) programs, guaranteeing educational access for young learners. But while there is great interest in offering these programs, many questions remain about how to pay for them—and how to maintain a high level of quality among providers.

Since 2017, REL Northeast & Islands at EDC researcher Clare Irwin has been examining the rollout of Vermont’s universal pre-K program. In this video, she discusses what she has learned—and the implications of these findings for other universal pre-K efforts—with early childhood expert Jana Martella.