Universal Pre-K: A Strong Start for Every Ohio Child
- Groundwork Ohio
- Jul 30
- 4 min read
By Groundwork Ohio Early Childhood Fellows:
Universal Pre-Kindergarten: Building Foundations, Strengthening Futures
Imagine yourself as the parent of a preschool-aged child. Maybe you’ve been there before—or you're navigating that moment now—doing your best to give your child the strongest foundation for future success. Now imagine not having the means to send your child to preschool, even though research shows that early learning offers lasting benefits.
So, what can we do to support children and families in this position? We can provide universal pre-kindergarten (UPK). The impact reaches far beyond early learning—UPK strengthens our future workforce, empowers families, and builds up communities across Ohio.
Why Universal Pre-K Matters
Universal pre-kindergarten (UPK) is more than just an early learning program—it's a critical strategy to ensure all children in Ohio start kindergarten ready to thrive.
Ohio faces alarmingly low kindergarten readiness scores. UPK gives children the support they need at a pivotal stage in their development, helping them build the skills necessary for long-term academic success.
UPK benefits both children and families. It nurtures a child’s growth while also easing the financial burden of childcare, allowing parents to work and provide for their families.
It’s an investment in stronger communities. When children succeed early, we see ripple effects in education, employment, and community well-being for years to come.
What the Research Shows
Research tells us that providing learning opportunities for young children generates better outcomes, not just for the child but for the community.
There have been numerous studies that have proven that the money invested in those early educational programs gives measurable returns later.
A preschool lottery system in Boston during the late 1990’s found those students have a higher rate of attending college, less behavior problems and skipping school. This was just one year of preschool offered to receive these benefits.
The Perry School Project in Michigan was conducted in the 1970’s with the participants progressing through school and beyond being studied. It found a 7-10% return on the initial investment, with better economic outcomes for the participants versus their peers who did not receive the added education. They reported better health and needed less social welfare help.
Early childhood educational programs offered in several areas of North Carolina in the 1970’s showed a 13% annual return on the original investment. Again, it showed better outcomes for those who received early learning versus children who did not.
One Parent’s Perspective
Maria Russell, a Columbus mother who is raising three boys, sees the positive impact UPK can have for children. She shares her thoughts:
“As a mommy of three, I know that I am my child's first teacher. Building friendships outside of their siblings & relationships with other trusted adults is something I can't teach but only model at home or in other group settings. Unfortunately, that's not an everyday occurrence. Attending Preschool and being in a classroom setting before they get to kindergarten is so beneficial to help them grow as a student and show them how to build their own friendships.”
Maria understands that UPK does not just help build her children’s educational foundation but also gives them needed social and emotional skills. Children given the opportunity to socialize with peers build their kindergarten readiness abilities.
Benefiting families today creates future benefits
The excessive cost of child care hurts families who are financially struggling. Offering UPK can support these families. It can lower the burden of childcare costs while building a solid educational foundation for their children. Parents can work more, increasing their income and lessening the need for government assistance. When children are given educational experiences earlier in life, they do better in academics and are better prepared for the workforce later in life.
Preparing the future generations for success by providing UPK also aids communities and businesses. Less crime, financial stability and a capable workforce are all direct payoffs of funding UPK for all.
Read more about how New Evidence Suggests Expanding Access to Pre-K is Good for the Economy
UPK in Action: HOPE Toledo
Here in Ohio, HOPE Toledo is leading the way. Their mission is to support Toledo children from cradle to career, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed. By focusing on education as a pathway to economic advancement, HOPE Toledo is demonstrating what’s possible when we prioritize early learning.
How You Can Advocate
Every child deserves the best start in life. How do we ensure that all children get what they need to be successful, not just in school but in life? Reaching out to our elected officials can have our voices heard. Contact your elected officials to express your views on this particularly important topic:
Hope for the Future
Giving the most vulnerable—our young learners—the best opportunities means learning must start before they reach kindergarten. Each dollar spent on UPK sees a 3 to 4 dollar return in investment. It is imperative that we recognize that a small cost today sees payoff in the future, that we save money by investing in education for our preschool children. Give those children, their families, and communities that much needed foundation for success.