Kindergarten

Idaho Legislature Considering Pre-K

Idaho lawmakers will vote next week on two bills that could be the first steps to developing a state pre-k program. The legislation under consideration would fund a survey of existing pre-k programs in the state, allow local governments to levy funds for pre-k, and establish 10 state-funded pilot programs. This is a big step: Idaho is one of only 8 states that don't fund pre-k, and current Idaho law actually prohibits spending public school funds to serve children younger than 5. A recent survey by Boise State University shows that a majority of Idaho residents support state funding for pre-k while the Idaho legislature has repeatedly blocked attempts to make it happen..