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Idaho is one of 10 states that doesn't offer public preschool, although two of those states are currently experimenting with pilot programs.Idaho lawmakers have long wrestled over whether to provide a public education to preschool-aged children. Idaho's conservative majority has resisted.But now, the debate could be revived because a freshman Democratic lawmaker has begun working on a plan to implement public pre-k.

Map: Idaho Is One Of 10 States Without Public Preschool

Preschool Map Thumbnail
Emilie Ritter Saunders
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Boise State Public Radio

Idaho is one of 10 states that doesn't offer public preschool to children. Over the next few days we'll examine why the Gem State doesn't have free pre-k, what impact that's having on kids, and the current discussion around early childhood education in Idaho.

But first, here's a map that shows the 10 states without public preschool. The states shaded in coral don't offer preschool. One thing we noticed, they're mostly concentrated in the West. Use the zoom and arrow tools to move around the map and explore.

Map: Emilie Ritter Saunders | Data Source: National Institute For Early Education Research

Why do you think the states without public preschool are concentrated mostly in the West? Do you think Idaho should offer preschool?

Find more stories in our series on preschool in Idaho at these links:

Map: Idaho Is One Of 10 States Without Public Preschool

State Of Idaho Lags On Preschool, Districts Lead

Idaho School Districts Take On Public Preschool Without State Funding

Why Caldwell Might Represent The Future Of Public Preschool In Idaho

Idaho Would Get $20 Million Under President Obama's Plan To Expand Preschool

Idaho Opposition To Public Preschool Is About Money And Ideology

Why One Idaho Republican Became An Unlikely Champion For Public Preschool

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