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The article discusses the need for access to public prekindergarten (preK) in the United States. The author believes that universal preK is necessary to address achievement gaps between low-income, middle-income, and upper-income students. The article discusses various states' policies, particularly focusing on New Jersey, where the court case Abbott v. Burke stimulated the state to implement demanding standards of quality, smaller classes, and an intensive literacy program. The author also comments on the Obama Administration's policies for federally-funded preK and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).

The article discusses funding for early childhood education programs in the U.S. and how the global financial crisis has forced some states to reduce budgets in this area. The National Institute for Early Education Research at Rutgers University found that overall enrollment and spending increased in 2009 but that growth in state-funded early education programs was low. Other topics include parents' unemployment and the U.S. Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).

The article reports on the announcement of the U.S. Education Department regarding the approval of a one-year waiver extension for New Jersey from certain provisions under the Elementary and Secondary Act (ESEA).