Preschool Education in State Offices of Education: A 1976 Status Report.

Overview & Synopsis

This study surveyed existing preschool education programs and practices in the State Offices of Education in the 50 states. A survey instrument (Information Form on Preschool Education), mailed to 50 chief state school officers, contained questions in three areas of preschool education: (1) general information (2) personnel commitment and (3) accommodations made available by State Offices of Education to assist schools. The completed survey instrument was returned by 40 states. Findings are summarized in terms of percentages of State Offices of Education indicating existing provisions for the development of preschool education. No national trend was shown, with the status of preschool education varying from state to state. Many states reported involvement in curriculum development, in-service education, and the development of basic guidelines for preschool educators. A majority of the state offices had developed some philosophical statement concerning quality preschool education, but only some had allocated funds to support their belief. Other findings include the fact that a large majority of the offices were working with universities on developing courses of study, certification requirements, and/or teacher training programs. Many had developed curriculum guides and/or material for dissemination. It was emphasized that, although an expansion of child care facilities is anticipated, evidence indicates that many states lack mandated guidelines to insure quality preschool education. (BF)