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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.

Latest 'Kids Count' Report Shows Idaho's Preschool Offerings Continue To Lag

The Annie E. Casey Foundation this week released its annual Kids Count Data Book, which examines children’s well being across the country.

The 2015 numbers show Idaho continues to lag in pre-school offerings.

Nearly 70 percent of children don’t attend school until kindergarten. That’s something that concerns Idaho Kids Count Director Lauren Necochea.

“The brain architecture really develops between zero and five years, and so if we can make sure those kids are getting quality learning opportunities before they even reach kindergarten, they’ll be in a much better position to succeed in school and in life,” Necochea says.

Necochea says the number of kids attending preschool correlates with fourth grade reading proficiency in our state. Nearly 70 percent of Idaho’s fourth graders aren’t considered proficient readers.

The new report shows eighth grade math scores improved, and the state's teen birth rate declined.  

The new numbers also show one in five Idaho kids lives in poverty.

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