Early Childhood Education Policy Study: An Overview and Policy Statement.

Overview & Synopsis

This study was conducted to learn whether the benefits of early childhood education would be sufficient to cause the State of Illinois to either support or require the provision of such services. Primary attention is given to: (1) the education of non-handicapped children between birth and entrance into first grade, and (2) those programs and services which influence the primary education continuum of instruction. National socio-economic trends and social influences are described in relation to the current status of Illinois' early childhood education in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs. The study of pre-kindergarten programs addresses the following topics: the kinds of pre-kindergarten programs and services provided and numbers of children served; their effectiveness; and identification of potential clients. The study of kindergarten programs examines the following topics: enrollment changes in the last five years; the types of schedules and their effects on children; types of curricula and their effects on children; and use of chronological age to determine compulsory attendance and entrance eligibility. In addition to a listing of state and federal initiatives and a summary of findings, an appendix provides a sample copy of the Early Childhood Education Program Survey Instrument used in 1984 to obtain baseline data on programs and to assess opinions of principals regarding early childhood education issues. A pamphlet describing the State Board of Education Policy Statement on early childhood education is also given. (DST)