$6m Tempe PRE given boost after study hails its impact on the community

The program offered free preschool to local families with the goal of increasing access to high-quality early education

PUBLISHED AUG 16, 2024

NORC’s evaluation found that despite challenges, the curriculum was effectively implemented.

Tempe, Arizona: A recent evaluation conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago has confirmed that the City of Tempe’s preschool program, Tempe PRE, has significantly improved kindergarten readiness while also creating new opportunities for parents to pursue education and employment. This evaluation was made possible through a $1.3 million grant from the Helios Education Foundation.

Tempe PRE was launched in 2017 as a two-year pilot program following approval from the City Council. The program offered free preschool to local families with the goal of increasing access to high-quality early education, preparing children for academic success, and supporting families in achieving economic stability.

According to Marc Hernandez, director of NORC’s Early Childhood Research & Practice Collaborative, “As of 2019, 47% of 4-year-olds from low-income backgrounds nationwide were not enrolled in preschool. There is a greater demand than supply, and available programs are often costly, with limited subsidized options for low-income and working families.”

Tempe PRE was created in response to a 2017 study revealing that only about one-third of Tempe’s 3- and 4-year-olds were enrolled in preschool, leaving over 1,000 children underserved each year. The pilot program, which cost $6 million, was implemented in classrooms across two school districts: Tempe Elementary and Kyrene.

Tempe PRE provided a full-day, free preschool experience, including before- and after-school care, to accommodate working families. The program employed certified teachers, offering them salaries and benefits comparable to district kindergarten teachers. Teachers received training to deliver an evidence-based curriculum that emphasizes student-led learning, social-emotional development, and conflict resolution skills.

NORC’s evaluation, which included classroom observations and interviews, found that despite pandemic-related challenges, the curriculum was effectively implemented.