The author presents a number of factors that underscore the educational advantages of focusing on a Pre-K-3 school configuration, including the need for less remediation and more productive learning in the upper elementary and secondary grades. He describes a self-contained Pre-K-3 continuum, including universal pre-kindergarten and full-day…

Few public education systems provide schooling for four-year-olds, yet studies show that children who attend preschool programs do better and are more likely to graduate from high school. Includes a national survey of public programs for four-year-olds. (MD)

Reviews early preschool intervention program evaluations showing that by second grade there are no educationally meaningful differences in academic achievement between participating and nonparticipating children (though there are behavioral differences). More research is needed on children aged eight to ten to facilitate continuous achievement…

The Missouri New Parents as Teachers Program (NPAT) created a home-based school system for infants and toddlers by training their parents to serve as teachers. Includes sidebars with developmental stages and instructions for developing a NPAT program. (MD)