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Pre-Kindergarten Enrollment
The percentage of St. Louis children age 3 and 4 who attended a preschool class (pre-K) in the past three months
White children are 38% more likely than black children to be enrolled in pre-kindergarten.
A score of 100 represents racial equity, meaning there are no racial disparities in outcomes between black and white populations. The lower the Equity Score, the greater the disparity.
For Pre-Kindergarten Enrollment, a score of 100 — a score reflecting racial equity — would mean an equal percentage of black and white children are attending pre-kindergarten classes. It is important to note that for this indicator, equity is not our only goal: we also want to improve outcomes for all.
More Information
What does this indicator measure?
Pre-Kindergarten Enrollment measures the percentage of St. Louis children age 3 and 4 who attended a preschool class (pre-K) in the past three months. In 2016, 66% of three and four-year-old children were enrolled in pre-K.
Pre-Kindergarten enrollment analysis
Three and four-year-olds who have attended Pre-K in the last three months in St. Louis City.
| All | White | Black | Disparity Ratio | Equity Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enrolled in pre-K | 4,633 | 1,598 | 2,888 | - | - |
| Child population ages 3 and 4 | 8,312 | 2,101 | 5,227 | - | - |
| Percentage enrolled in pre-K | 65.7% | 76.1% | 55.3% | 1.377 to 1 | 67 |
Data Source: American Community Survey 1-year PUMS, 2016.
Data Note: PUMS data may differ slightly from estimates on American FactFinder due to differences in sampling. See PUMS technical documentation for more information. The number of sample cases is too small to report reliable estimates for additional racial groups.
What does this analysis mean?
White children are 38% more likely than black children to be attending pre-kindergarten. 76% of age-eligible white children attend preschool in the previous three months, compared to 55% of black children.
If enrollment rates were equitable, there would be 1,090 more black children enrolled in pre-K.
Why does Pre-K Enrollment matter?
According to the Ferguson Commission report, "During the first few years of life, the human brain develops rapidly, and the foundation is laid for future cognitive skills in reading, math, science, and learning in general. During these critical years, children form budding character, social, emotional, gross-motor, and executive-function skills." Additionally, the report cites studies that show children who participate in early childhood education have long lasting advantages including a higher likelihood of graduating from high school and being employed. A Federal Reserve study determined that "for every dollar invested in high-quality pre-K programs, the community sees a rate of return between 7 and 20 percent."
Which Calls to Action from the Ferguson Commission report are linked with this indicator?
The Ferguson Commission made the following calls to action related to pre-K:
Questions for further investigation
- Why is there a racial disparity in Pre-K Enrollment?
- What can St. Louis do to reduce racial disparities in Pre-K Enrollment?
- What initiatives are currently underway to reduce racial disparities in Pre-K Enrollment?
How can I learn more about this issue?
Vision for Children at Risk mobilizes the St. Louis region to take action on the critical needs of children. This organization founded the St. Louis Regional Early Childhood Council (RECC), which works to build a comprehensive system that addresses the full range of early childhood needs for all St. Louis-area children. In September 2017, the RECC released a report studying the location and type of early care and education programs in the St. Louis region: Building Blocks Report.
The Urban League Head Start program provides early childhood education services for low-income children and families. Parents can apply to enroll their children in St. Louis Public School pre-kindergarten. Those forms are available online.
