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3.1.1 Share of Children Ages 3 and 4 Enrolled in Preschool
Why is this important?
Across the U.S., children participating in preschool or nursery programs have a higher likelihood of graduating from high school, enrolling in college, and are less likely to be a special education student or held back in grade school.
According to Census, "a nursery school is defined as a group or class that is organized to provide educational experiences for children during the year or years preceding kindergarten. It includes instruction as an important and integral phase of its program of child care. Private homes in which essentially custodial care is provided are not considered nursery schools. Children enrolled in Head Start programs or similar programs sponsored by local agencies to provide preschool education to young children are counted under nursery school." Whether in half- or full-day programs, the child is counted as in preschool or a nursery.
In Washington State, early learning programs include the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), a comprehensive child development program funded by the state, and Head Start, which is funded by the federal government. Children enrolled in Early Head Start, an early learning program for pregnant mothers and children up to age 3, are not included in this indicator.
Enrollment levels are closely tied to available funding. As a stand-alone figure, it does not reflect the demand or need for child development programs among low-income children. To gain a better understanding of enrollment trends, this indicator provides enrollment shares in relation to the overall population of children ages 3 and 4.
According to the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), both ECEAP and Head Start provide support for:
- Child development and learning.
- Families.
- Health and nutrition.
Across the U.S., children participating in these programs have a higher likelihood of graduating from high school, enrolling in college, and are less likely to be a special education student or held back in grade school.
This indicator measures the estimated share of children ages 3 and 4 enrolled in preschool in Spokane County. Washington State is offered as a benchmark.
According to the US Census Bureau, the pandemic made the collection of accurate one-year estimates for the American Community Survey (ACS) impossible in 2020. Five-year estimates might be available for popular series in early 2022.
Where are we?
During 2023, the estimated share of the population ages 3 and 4 years of age who were enrolled in preschool in:
- The City of Spokane was 35.8%, decreasing from 44.5% in 2005. (not statistically significant)
- The City of Spokane Valley was 26.8%, increasing from 18.8% in 2005. (not statistically significant)
- Spokane County was 43.6%, increasing from 32.7% in 2005. (not statistically significant)
Data Sources
U.S. Census Bureau: American Community Survey (ACS) - Explore Census Data
Notes:
1) This information comes from a survey, so the data presented are estimates. All significant tests are done at the 90% confidence interval. The margin of errors is provided in the “Download Data” section.
2) Not all indicators can be tested for statistical significance. For example, some indicators use portions of data from multiple ACS sources, and the test is cannot be running. If available, the results of the test are offered. When no test results are offered, the statistical significance test was not able to be conducted.
3) Learn more about the ACS:
County
City