Abstract
This fact sheet summarizes findings from the Illinois Preschool for All (PFA) program evaluation conducted by Erikson Institute and SRI International. PFA programs are funded by the Illinois State Board of Education to provide early education opportunities for children between the ages of three and five, with priority given to children from low-income families and those who are determined to be “at risk.” The evaluation took an in-depth look at PFA programs throughout the state (excluding the city of Chicago) from 2008 through 2010 to provide a picture of PFA program quality, children’s school readiness, and the characteristics of program participants.
Trained evaluators assessed children in preschool in fall 2009 and again in kindergarten in fall 2010. Assessors used a variety of measures to assess children’s development in the areas of vocabulary skills, letter and word identification, early math skills, social skills, problem behaviors, and attention and task persistence.