Survey Definitions

Definitions for the 2021 State of Preschool Yearbook Survey

Definitions for the State of Preschool Survey

The State of Preschool Yearbook focuses on state-funded pre-K/preschool programs meeting the following criteria–please keep these in mind as you complete the survey:

The program is funded, controlled, and directed by the state.
The program serves children of prekindergarten age, usually 3- and/or 4-years-old. Although programs in some states serve broader age ranges, programs that serve only infants and toddlers are excluded.
Early childhood education is the primary focus of the program. This does not exclude programs that offer parent education, but it does exclude programs whose main focus is parent education. Programs where child eligibility is tied to work status also are excluded. However, preschool programs may be coordinated and integrated with the subsidy system for child care.
The program offers a group learning experience to children at least two days per week.
The program is not primarily designed to serve children with disabilities, but it may include children with disabilities.
State supplements to the federal Head Start program are considered to constitute de facto state preschool programs if they substantially expand the number of children served, and the state assumes some administrative responsibility for the programs. State supplements to fund quality improvements, extended days, or other program enhancements that expand enrollment minimally are not considered equivalent to a state preschool program.

Age definitions for the 2021 State of Preschool Survey:

Children considered to be 3 years old during the 2020-2021 school year are those age-eligible for entry into kindergarten two years later, during the 2022-2023 school year.
Children considered to be 4 years old during the 2020-2021 school year are those age-eligible for entry into kindergarten one year later, during the 2021-2022 school year.
Children considered to be 5 years old during the 2020-2021 school year were already age-eligible for kindergarten at the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year.
Children considered to be younger than 3 years old during the 2020-2021 are those age-eligible for entry into kindergarten after the 2022-2023 school year.