Early Childhood Education

New research found the pandemic led to drops in the percent of kids who were receiving early intervention and early childhood special education, both nationally and in Missouri.

But providers say more money alone won’t solve access issues that many families face.

Smart Start Illinois is the name of the early childhood education program that was announced Wednesday as part of the $49.6 billion budget proposed by Pritzker.

This fall, educators are adjusting their lesson plans to make more time for social and emotional skills, after last year's pandemic-related closures kept many kindergartners at home.

Preschool enrollment in Missouri is on the upswing, but spots in free preschool centers are still hard to find.

Forest preschools have long been popular in Germany. Their perceived benefits are becoming increasingly enticing to American parents and educators.

Proposition R would raise St. Louis residents' property tax rate by 6 cents, yielding $2.3 million annually for early childhood centers in the city.

Prop R asks city voters to increase property taxes to raise money for early childhood education. A campaign supporter joined "St. Louis on the Air" to discuss the unique structure, which would have the St. Louis Mental Health Board distribute funds.

Phelps and Pulaski counties are both considered "child care deserts" because of a lack of preschool and day cares. Two grants on their way to the area will help.

State Rep. Raychel Proudie joined St. Louis Public Radio’s Jason Rosenbaum and Jaclyn Driscoll to talk about the jarring end to the 2020 special session on violent crime, which saw some of Gov. Mike Parson’s policy priorities fall by the wayside.