A new report summarizes the results of a 3-year study of Universal Pre-kindergarten in rural areas of New York State. The report, Universal Pre-Kindergarten, Early Care, and Education in Rural New York: Research Findings and Policy Implications, was written by Lisa A. McCabe, John W. Sipple, Hope Casto, and Judith Ross-Bernstein. Based on in-depth case studies with rural school districts, as well as analyses of state-wide education and child care data, the report addressed four key issues: 1) Limited early care and education opportunities; 2) Coordination across early education systems and partners; 3) Transportation; and 4) Pre-kindergarten program implementation. Policy recommendations focus on flexibility in funding, technical assistance, transportation assistance, and sustained fiscal investment. This document is intended for parents, citizens and taxpayers; practitioners in both the schools and community-based organizations; and policymakers at the local, state and federal levels. Funding for this work was provided by the Rural Education Advisory Committee (REAC).
