The estimated cost of public preschool in Hawaii

2015-03-06This study applies a modified version of the Evidence-Based Model for school finance adequacy as a framework to estimate the overall cost as well as the per child cost of public preschool in Hawaii. The purpose of the study was to assist educational leaders and policymakers as they discuss and explore options for public preschools in Hawaii. This study also aimed to determine the estimated number of children who would enroll in public preschool as well as consider possibilities for funding. A mixed method approach: qualitative data from five educational and political leaders’ interviews; and quantitative data from public documents and databases, were utilized. Calculations from the modified Evidence-Based Model revealed that the estimated per child of public preschool in Hawaii is $9,975. Findings from this study indicate there is an uncertainty regarding a public preschool program plan, the State of Hawaii has inadequate funding for the current public preschool program according to calculations of the modified Evidence-Based model, and that public preschool is not yet a priority in the state as seen in the lack of funding offered. This study concludes that there is still much more work to be done to plan and promote a public preschool program in Hawaii, as well as to understand the finances involved in such as system