4K INFORMATION
Research Related to 4K
Wisconsin does not have data to correlate student performance on statewide tests with past 4K participation. Wisconsin, however, was one of the states that participated in the National Center for Early Development & Learning Multi-State Study of Pre-Kindergarten & Study of State-Wide Early Education Programs (SWEEP). The full report provides a descriptive picture of pre-k children and classrooms across eleven states. Although the authors caution the study was not an experiment in which children were randomly assigned to either attend pre-k or not, making it impossible to know how much of the gains in children’s academic and social skills were caused by their pre-k experiences, they believe the study helps better understand the issues, problems, and opportunities within pre-k education.
4K Community Approaches
The Benefits and Impact of 4K Community Approach Website, tells the story of what makes 4-year-old kindergarten community approaches (4KCA) good for children, families, child care, school districts, Head Start, community programs, and the general public.
Four-Year-Old Kindergarten Start Up Grants
The 2008 state budget began start up grants for school districts wanting to implement 4-year-old kindergarten. The statutes required priority to school districts using community approaches to 4K through partnerships with child care and Head Start. Go to our Four-Year-Old Kindergarten Grants page for more details.
History of 4/5-Year-Old Kindergarten in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's history of 4K and 5K is captured in An Abbreviated History of 4- and 5-Year-Old Kindergarten in Wisconsin: 1840-2017. The history specific to 4K is captured in The Unique History of Four-Year-Old Kindergarten in Wisconsin . It explores key developments, starting with the inclusion of education for 4-year-olds in the 1848 Constitution and the establishment of first private kindergarten in the country in Watertown in 1856.
Information and Resources:
- DPI Policy and Information Advisory 2.17 ♦ August 2017 This policy information and question and answers document, provides general information related to to 4-year-old kindergarten and to 4-year-old kindergarten community approaches .
- Rationale and Best Practices for 4-year-old Kindergarten
- Guiding Principles Curriculum Considerations
- 4K/5K Transition: Guidance
