Parallel Play

This working paper compares preschool and K–12 finance reform efforts in New Jersey and Texas, drawing lessons for California. In New Jersey, court-mandated preschool expansion under the Abbott v. Burke decisions has established universal access to free, high-quality preschool in the state’s poorest districts. With a centralized approach, New Jersey has directed significant resources to expanding preschool enrollment through community-based organizations (CBOs) and public schools. Quality standards—such as certified teachers and rigorous facility requirements—have been emphasized. Despite progress, disparities in facilities and funding persist between CBOs and public school–based programs.

In contrast, Texas has pursued a more decentralized approach, embedding preschool funding within the state’s K–12 finance formula and providing incentive grants to encourage partnerships between school districts and CBOs. Texas also emphasizes professional development and localized quality improvement through the Texas Early Education Model (TEEM), led by the University of Texas at Houston. Despite these efforts, challenges remain—particularly in expanding preschool access for Latino families and ensuring that funding disparities are addressed effectively. Texas’s strategy avoids rigid mandates and instead promotes collaboration through financial incentives and quality improvement systems.

Lessons for California emphasize the need to integrate preschool and K–12 financing to enhance equity and efficiency. The paper suggests consolidating fragmented funding streams and ensuring more consistent quality standards across programs. Additionally, the authors highlight the potential benefits of adopting Texas’s model of incentivizing local partnerships and professional development rather than solely relying on centralized mandates. Achieving equitable access and improved quality will require aligning preschool initiatives with broader K–12 finance reforms.