Key insights from our work and research over the years:

Because of this learning, we aim to work with school districts to…

A district’s pre-K enrollment strategy should be grounded in qualitative and quantitative data. 

Districts should focus on the unique needs and experiences of parents across different communities, while also having a strong command of the quantitative factors impacting supply and demand.

• Interpret parent sentiment research regarding pre-K decision making, including insights around motivations and barriers, sponsored by Good Reason Houston.
• Conduct an annual, robust data analysis to understand, supply, demand, and need in the midst of changing population patterns.

Community-driven strategies outperform broad campaigns.

Broad marketing campaigns are less effective than community-based approaches that leverage trusted local influencers, such as principals, parents, and health providers. Districts should  focus their limited resources on targeted zones using continuous data collection and monitoring. 

• Analyze data in order to determine priority zones for pre-K enrollment and expansion.
• Pursue tailored, targeted marketing approaches (such as on-the-ground canvassing and digital marketing in zones).

Structural barriers persist, though opportunities are emerging for pre-K expansion.

Districts face significant barriers to expanding pre-K enrollment. While pre-K 4 remains the primary focus, there is a growing local interest in expanding pre-K 3 to boost early academic success and enrollment. In addition, there are emerging legislative opportunities to pursue expanded public-private partnerships. 

• Explore public-private partnerships and pre-K 3 to understand the risks and benefits to your community.
• Expand community partnerships for enrollment. Stay tuned for how we can work together on this!

Creative, innovative solutions are needed to meet parent needs.

Pre-K enrollment decisions are influenced by practical factors like location, schedule, transportation, and the ability to attend pre-K on the same campus as kindergarten. Nationally and locally, these considerations outweigh concerns about program quality or model. 

• “Actionize” findings from parent research.
• Extend parent research to understand how to meet the preferences of “hard-to-reach” families.
• Access best practices from other ISDs that are successfully addressing some of these challenges.

Growing your pre-K program requires prioritizing resource allocation and taking advantage of public funding opportunities. 

There are lots of funding opportunities and legislative opportunities for districts to take advantage of to strengthen pre-K enrollment.

• Understand shifting state and federal funding streams.
• Make sense of evolving legislative opportunities.