Wyoming

NO PROGRAM

The state of Wyoming does not offer a state-funded preschool program according to definitions used in this report. However, the state does provide support for other early childhood education programs. Local school districts can use a portion of Title I funding for early childhood education. The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) administers a statewide developmental preschool system to provide IDEA services for 3- to 5-year-olds, and Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) administers the TANF program through a competitive grant process which funds high-quality preschool services for children whose families qualify for TANF. 

In 2021, the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) distributed $3 million to 14 preschools serving low-income children. DFS also licenses several programs through the University of Wyoming, community colleges, school districts, and private preschool and child care facilities to provide academic instruction. Both licensed and non-licensed programs are able to pursue accreditation through the NAEYC. 

The Wyoming Early Childhood State Advisory Council was created in 2010 and is a collaboration of individuals across multiple disciplines. The council’s mission is to serve Wyoming children and families by facilitating statewide collaboration, evaluating the early childhood system, and making recommendations to the governor, lawmakers, and state agencies. The Wyoming Advisory Panel for Students with Disabilities functions in the same capacity with a focus on students qualifying and receiving special education services. 

In December 2020, Wyoming received a $2,098,776 Preschool Development Grant Birth–Five award. The funding supports the state in addressing the following five activities: 1) Conducting a statewide B–5 needs assessment; 2) Developing a statewide B–5 strategic plan; 3) Maximizing parental knowledge and choice; 4) Sharing best practices among early childhood care and education (ECE) providers; and 5) Improving overall program quality. There are two programs providing support and COVID-19 relief to early childhood programs with CARES Act Child Care Development Block Grant funds, and a partnership between DFS and Wyoming Kids First. The state also received a PDG B–5 grant in December 2022 for $3,301,647. 

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted pre-K enrollment in 2021-2022. The TANF program was not funded with additional CARES money to adjust to the impact of the learning loss experienced. There is no current pre-K legislation indicating pre-K as a part of educational pathways in Wyoming.

Wyoming

Access

Some Head Start children may also be counted in state pre-K. Estimates children in special education not also enrolled in state pre-K or Head Start.
Total state pre-K enrollment	0
School districts that offer state program	NA
Income requirement	NA
Minimum hours of operation	NA
Operating schedule	NA
Special education enrollment, ages 3 and 4	1,980
Federally funded Head Start enrollment, ages 3 and 4	1,244
State-funded Head Start enrollment, ages 3 and 4	0

Resources

Pre-K programs may receive additional funds from federal or local sources that are not included in this figure. K–12 expenditures include capital spending as well as current operating expenditures. Head Start per-child spending includes funding only for 3- and 4-year-olds.