Universal preschool makes education more equitable and improves overall student performance, but the US has been slower than other countries to offer preschool for all. Fortunately, one school district in Michigan is taking matters into its own hands and introducing universal preschool this fall.
The Lansing School District is removing economic barriers to education and using an increase in state funding to support preschool for all. Superintendent Ben Shuldiner hopes the policy will help hundreds of children who would otherwise not begin formal education until kindergarten.
Tuition-free preschool will be available this fall to all students in the district who turn four before December 1. Universal preschool isn’t the only way Lansing improves educational equity. This district also offers free transportation and school meals for all children.
Hopefully, the academic data from Lansing School District’s initiative will provide further evidence to support universal preschool across the country.
