Assessing Universal Preschool Debates: Predictors of Chicago Area Center Directors’ Preference for Universal Preschool Programs

• In Event: 207 - Section on Sociology of Education Roundtable Session (one-hour).
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 15. Elementary Education

Abstract

As debates about universal preschool heat up across the country, surprisingly little research examines how such programs are received among preschool directors whose decisions and actions mediate the effect of such policy changes on children and families. This study examines preference for universal preschool programs among a sample of Chicago area preschool center directors in the context of an expanding Illinois’ universal program – Preschool for All. Results suggest that critics’ arguments based on concerns about market competition, workforce capacity, and logistical issue do not hold up in terms of predicting directors’ preferences. However, there are significant differences among directors serving in areas of varying racial/ethnic majorities, suggesting some support for – but also some critical revisions to – hypotheses based on research which finds racial/ethnic differences in philosophical approaches to early education. Implications for early education policies are discussed.

Author

• Anna Colaner, University of Illinois-Chicago