The Impact of Federal Initiatives on Early Childhood Education

In an address to the nation, the president proposed expanding the federal government’s role in early childhood education by making 'high-quality preschool available to every single child in America.'

The proposal outlined a plan that would give federal matching dollars to states that provide preschool funding to families earning up to 200 percent of the poverty level. The plan would also expand federal funding for toddler and infant care for working families.

This proposal was designed to build on the successes of state programs that expanded government funding for early childhood education in states such as Alabama, which had recently approved a $12.5 million increase in its early childhood program.

After reading the scenario, respond to Parts A, B, and C below.

Describe the role of Congress in the context of the scenario.

In the context of the scenario, explain how the role of Congress described in Part A may affect state priorities.

Explain how the type of grant used to fund the proposal could affect the scenario.