Emily Lampa, Your Kids

Experts say parents of pre-kindergarten children should be concerned because funding for Florida's voluntary pre-kindergarten is down this year.

Pre-Kindergarten is where kids start learning vocabulary, shapes and colors, and the big sell for voluntary pre-K is that it's free.

Florida leads the country in voluntary pre-K with nearly two-thirds of 4-year-olds in the program last year. Experts say they need more students to get the money they need.

"The benefits are really an investment. It's good for kids, but it's also good for communities because that investment pays off," said Patte Barth, the director of the Center for Public Education.

According to the Center for Public Education, every dollar spent for pre-K can save up to $16 in public education because fewer students need to be placed in special education classes, and that means fewer students are held back.

Also, studies show pre-kindergarten education increases test scores and graduation rates.

"We're not putting little children in desks, giving them worksheets, giving them a strong academic program. No, play is important," Barth said.

U.S. Department of Education research shows -- as adults -- children who had pre-K education get and hold onto higher paying jobs. Those students display greater social skills, maturity, and motivation because of pre-K.

"If you really want to get the most bank for your buck, we're really looking at high quality pre-kindergarten programs," Barth said.

There are two organizations providing information about pre-K programs and the quality standards parents can look out for -- Pre-K Now and the National Institute for Early Education Research.

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