By Linda Borg
Washington, D.C. -- Rhode Island is one of four states to earn top grades for its early learning standards.
In 2011, the state won $50 million to support early learning initiatives in the federal Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge. National Institute Early Education Research Director Steve Barnett praised Governor Chafee's restoration of $1.5 million in state funding for pre-K in 2012-2013 and his proposed $1 million in additional funding for pre-K expansion in 2013-2014.
The State of Preschool 2012 yearbook said that after 10 years of growth, national enrollment in state pre-K has stalled. State funding per child fell to $3,841 -- well below the $5,020 national average in 2001-2002.