Pre-K Data from Focal Populations Can Help Decision Makers Create More Equitable Systems

Little girl at a preschool table plays with colorful objects alongside woman teacher

All children and families are deserving of high-quality pre-K services and systems that help children thrive, value who they are, and offer positive and equitable environments. Comprehensive data on families’ access to, experiences with, and outcomes in pre-K can help system leaders promote more equitable systems to support all pre-K children and families, as well as the system’s workforce members. This brief aims to describe the experiences of these specific groups of children, families, and workforce members (referred to as focal populations) that face inequities and discuss how a comprehensive pre-K data system can bolster ongoing efforts to ensure that all children experience the benefits of pre-K and that all families and workforce members are supported.