New Study Reveals Minnesota’s Early Education Access Issues

A recent study has found Minnesota to be in the bottom third of the United States when it comes to early education.

Using factors like the share of school districts offering pre-K programs, share of 3/4-year-olds enrolled in state programs and presence of waiting lists or frozen intake for child care assistance, the study done by WalletHub found Minnesota to be the worst in the country when it comes to access to pre-kindergarten education.

Using those metrics, Minnesota finished 51st overall (the study includes Washington, D.C.) in the 'Access' category, which ended up sinking their final score, as their marks in 'Quality' (30th) and 'Resources and Economic Support' 11th in the country.

“The more that states invest in early education, and the more accessible they make those programs, the more they will benefit in the future," said WalletHub's Chip Lupo.  "Having access to quality early education gives students a jump start that can improve their future performance in school, as well as lead to better job opportunities and higher earnings in the long-term. A better-educated, higher-earning population will in turn bring economic benefits back to the state.”

Maryland finished as the top overall state for early childhood education, including a second-place finish in 'Quality.' Washington, D.C. finished second overall and first in the 'Access' ranking.

Interestingly, South Dakota topped the 'Quality' ranking but finished only 26th overall due to a ranking of 40th in 'Access' and 45th in 'Resources and Economic Support.'