State-funded preschool enrollment in the United States reached a record high of 1.8 million children last school year, serving 37% of 4-year-olds and about 10% of 3-year-olds, according to a report published Wednesday by the National Institute of Early Education Research. States added 44,000 students to their preschool programs, supported by $14.4 billion in spending.

California accounted for more than half of the enrollment gains, adding approximately 25,000 students after making every 4-year-old eligible for its "transitional kindergarten" program. However, the rapid expansion came with quality tradeoffs, as California met only two of the institute's 10 quality benchmarks related to teacher training, class size, and curriculum.

Despite the overall growth, preschool access remains uneven across states. Hawaii meets all quality benchmarks but serves only 10% of 4-year-olds, while Wyoming offers no state-funded preschool. Colorado provides free part-time preschool to all 4-year-olds, and Georgia operates the only universal program meeting all quality standards.

Research indicates high-quality preschool programs can have lasting benefits, improving kindergarten readiness and increasing high school graduation rates. Educators report that children who attend preschool often arrive at elementary school with greater confidence and leadership skills.

Funding challenges persist across states, with federal support remaining limited. President Donald Trump recently stated that states should handle childcare costs themselves, saying the federal government cannot afford such programs while engaged in military conflicts. Private preschool costs average more than $12,000 annually for 4-year-olds, making state programs crucial for families unable to afford private options.