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Study on preschool ranks Iowa high
(AP) - A new report ranks Iowa third in the nation on spending on the youngest of preschool children, but child advocates say more can be done.
The study is by the Washington-based Voices for America's Children. It says Iowa spends $753 per child on preschool for children up to the age of 2, which experts say is the most crucial age for brain development. California leads the nation.
Outgoing Gov. Chet Culver pushed a $90 million expansion of preschool for all 4-year-olds in the state. Gov.-elect Terry Branstad and GOP leaders have said that spending will be an issue when the Legislature convenes next month.
Sheila Hansen, a child advocate in Iowa, says she hopes there's room for compromise
Matt Blinks (left) jumps his motorcycle over Wiley Sullivan's vehicle during afternoon preschool at the Lisbon Community School in Lisbon on Tuesday, September 25, 2007.
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