Maryland has slipped in rankings on spending for preschool education, according to a new report but key supporters suggested major state reforms still need time to prove themselves.

The National Institute for Early Education Research said Maryland ranked 17th in state spending on preschool, moving down eight spots from previous snapshots, despite large increases in per-pupil spending for preschoolers. Nearly 40% of the state’s four-year-olds and 8% of three-year-olds are now enrolled.

Beth Morrow, director of public policy for the Maryland Family Network, is among those hoping recent efforts will pay off. She said quality preschool education is a foundational aspect of setting kids up for success.

"We want those kids to have quality learning experiences because they really set the foundation for learning throughout their whole lives," Morrow explained. "We want kids to learn how to be a part of a classroom community. We want them to be curious, ask questions and build the foundation to be a learner for the rest of their lives."

Maryland increased its per-pupil spending on preschool education to nearly $8,000 last year, representing a $1,600 increase from the year prior. The report noted the phaseout of federal COVID-relief funding increased pressure on local budgets indirectly supporting pre-K expansion.

The state is still in the process of implementing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, a major educational policy passed in 2021. In 2024, the state passed House Bill 1441, which created an experience-based pathway for lead teachers and a career ladder for private providers.

Morrow explained it has helped the state work toward quality preschool programs. She stressed the most important thing in preschool is the relationship between the teacher and the child.

"Having that experience-based pathway for lead teachers and creating an early childhood career ladder brings in more eligible, quality providers rather than just using a bachelor's degree as the metric for quality," Morrow added. "It’s really helping us expand the early childhood workforce."

The major policy reforms come as Maryland parents struggle to access preschool and childcare. Some 75% of parents across Maryland report such challenges, according to a report by Stanford University.

Source: Public News Service