State by State Guide to Free Pre-K

If you have a little one at home, chances are you’ll start your Pre-K search soon and with that in mind you may be wondering if your state offers free Pre-K. Truthfully, the answer depends on which state you are in, and sometimes it depends on the school district or the city.

This guide breaks down which states offer free Pre-K, states with partial or income based free Pre-K and states with no state-funded Pre-K.

Jump to:

• States with universal free Pre-K
• States with partial or income-based free Pre-K
• States with no state-funded Pre-K
• Full state-by-state breakdown

States That Offer Universal Pre-K

Although a seat isn’t guaranteed and a few may run lotteries when demand outpaces funding, these states offer free pre-K to every 4-year-old regardless of family income.

• Alabama
• California
• Colorado
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Georgia
• Michigan
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma
• Vermont
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin

States That Offer Partial or Income-Based Free Pre-K

Most states offer partial or income-based free pre-K means that families are assessed based on risk factors, geography, or the number of funded seats available. These states include:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Virginia
• Washington

If you are in one of these states, be sure to check for specific requirements and criteria with your district as it may vary from block to block.

States With No Pre-K Funding

There are a handful of states that offer state-funded preschool programs. In these states families typically rely on Head Start, tribal Head Start or private tuition-based programs. These six states are:

• Idaho
• Montana
• New Hampshire
• South Dakota
• Wyoming
• Indiana (per NIEER’s criteria)

State-by-State Breakdown

Alabama

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Yes

Pre-kindergarten Program Offered:

Alabama offers families free pre-K through Alabama First Class Pre-K. This program provides all 4-year-olds with free pre-kindergarten, regardless of household income. Alabama First Class Pre-K is nationally recognized for quality, as it has met all 10 of the National Institute for Early Education Research quality benchmarks for 20 consecutive years.

Program Details:

• Programs typically run for 6.5 hours a day during the school year.

• There are Alabama First Class Pre-K classrooms in every county across the state.

• Due to high enrollment, each program site hosts a lottery to enroll students.

• Each program has randomized waitlists to place children once seats become available.

Enrollment Details:

• No registration fees are required.

• Children need to be a resident of Alabama to qualify.

• To enroll your child you will need their birth certificate, proof of residence and immunization record.

• Visit prek.alaceed.alabama.gov to register your child.

Alaska

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Pre-kindergarten Programs Offered:

Although Alaska doesn't offer a statewide free pre-K program, eligible families may still be able to access free preschool through several local and federally funded programs, including:

• Head Start
• Local school district preschool programs
• Some tribally operated early childhood programs

Head Start

• Head Start provides free early childhood education for eligible children ages 3 to 5.
• Programs may offer either half-day or full-day schedules, although operating hours vary by provider.
• The Alaska Head Start Association represents 17 independent Head Start programs across the state, each with its own enrollment process, eligibility requirements, and operating schedule.

Local School District Programs

• Some Alaska school districts offer publicly funded preschool programs.
• Eligibility and availability vary by district, and programs often prioritize children with disabilities or other qualifying needs.

Enrollment Details

• Enrollment requirements vary depending on the Head Start program, school district, or tribal program you apply to.
• Most programs require documents such as your child's birth certificate, proof of Alaska residency, and up-to-date immunization records.
• Head Start programs may also require proof of household income to determine eligibility.
• Families should apply directly with their local Head Start program, school district, or tribal provider, as each program manages its own application and enrollment process.

Arizona

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: Arizona Early Childhood Block Grant ("Strong Families, Strong Start")

Requirements/Details:

• Free pre-K is generally available to families who meet income requirements, typically at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
• Arizona does not currently offer a statewide program for every 4-year-old, so seats aren't guaranteed.
• Families who don't qualify may still find help through scholarships offered by Quality First participating providers.
• Head Start also provides free preschool opportunities for many eligible families.
• State preschool funding declined significantly during the 2024-25 school year.

State: Arkansas

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: Arkansas Better Chance (ABC / ABC for School Success)

Requirements/Details:

• Free pre-K is available to families who meet income requirements (earning below 200% of the federal poverty level) or have qualifying risk factors, such as developmental delays or a teen parent.
• Most Arkansas Better Chance programs operate as full-day programs.
• Applications are open from February through April
• 4-year-olds get priority and 3-year-olds may qualify if they have additional risk factors.
• Applications are done via local public school or a licensed childcare center.
• Programs are offered through both public schools and community-based child care providers.
• Availability can be more limited in rural parts of the state.
• After more than a decade of relatively flat funding, Arkansas has increased investment in preschool programs in recent years.

State: California

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Yes

Program: Transitional Kindergarten (TK), plus California State Preschool Program (CSPP)

Requirements/Details:

• Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is a free public school program for 4-year-olds
• To qualify for TK children need to be 4 by September 1 to enroll
• TK offers parents both full-time and part-time options, however, this depends on the provider.
• TK programs are free, regardless of income.
• To enroll your child in TK, you will need to provide their birth certificate, immunization records and two proofs of residence, a utility bill sent to your residence and a rental agreement or mortgage.
• Every child who turns 4 by September 1 can enroll in Transitional Kindergarten (TK), regardless of family income.
• TK is free and offered through California's public school system.
• Because TK follows the regular school-day calendar, many working families still need before- or after-school care.
• Families who qualify based on income may also be eligible for the California State Preschool Program (CSPP), which offers full-day and full-year options.
• California continues working to improve class size and staffing standards across its TK program.

State: Colorado

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Yes

Program: Universal Preschool Colorado (UPK Colorado)

Requirements/Details:

• Every child receives at least 15 hours of free preschool each week during the year before kindergarten.
• Some families may qualify for up to 30 free hours each week based on income or other eligibility factors, including foster care, homelessness, an IEP, or dual language learner status.
• Families can choose from participating public schools and community-based preschool providers.
• Because the standard program includes 15 hours a week, many working families still need additional child care.
• Colorado continues expanding access, although it hasn't yet met all national quality benchmarks for class size and staffing.

State: Connecticut

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: School Readiness and Smart Start, transitioning to the Early Childhood Education Endowment

Requirements/Details:

• Free pre-K is currently available in selected districts and for some income-eligible families, rather than statewide.
• Connecticut recently created a new Early Childhood Education Endowment that aims to add thousands of new preschool seats over the next several years.
• Under the expansion plan, families earning up to $100,000 annually are expected to pay nothing once the program is fully implemented.
• The statewide expansion is expected to begin rolling out in 2027, so universal access isn't available yet.
• Families in priority school districts currently have the greatest access to publicly funded preschool.

State: Delaware

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: Early Childhood Assistance Program (ECAP)

Requirements/Details:

• Free pre-K is available primarily to families with lower incomes through the Early Childhood Assistance Program (ECAP).
• ECAP serves a relatively small number of children across the state, so availability can be limited.
• Many eligible families also receive preschool services through Head Start or Delaware's child care assistance programs.
• Whether your child qualifies depends largely on your family's income and where you live.

State: District of Columbia

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Yes

Program: DC Universal Pre-K

Requirements/Details:

• Every 3 and 4-year-old can attend free, full-day pre-K, regardless of family income.
• Families can choose programs offered through DC Public Schools, public charter schools, and participating community-based organizations.
• Washington, DC has one of the highest preschool enrollment rates in the country.
• The district has also invested in raising preschool teacher pay to better match K-12 educators, helping support program quality.

State: Florida

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Yes

Program: Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK)

Requirements/Details:

• Every 4-year-old is eligible for Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program, regardless of family income.
• Families can enroll at participating public schools, private preschools, and faith-based programs.
• The standard school-year program provides about three hours of instruction each day, so many families arrange additional wraparound care.
• Florida also offers a summer VPK option for eligible families.
• Although VPK is widely available, Florida remains one of the lowest-funded universal pre-K programs on a per-child basis.

State: Georgia

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Yes

Program: Georgia's Pre-K Program

Requirements/Details:

• Every 4-year-old can attend Georgia's Pre-K Program at no cost, regardless of family income.
• Programs typically operate for 6.5 hours a day during the school year.
• Families can choose participating public schools and private preschool providers.
• Popular programs may have waiting lists, so applying early is recommended.
• Georgia's program is nationally recognized for quality and meets all 10 NIEER quality benchmarks.

State: Hawaii

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: EOEL Public Pre-Kindergarten Program (Ready Keiki initiative)

Requirements/Details:

• Free public pre-K is available, but seats are still limited across the state.
• Hawaii is steadily expanding its Ready Keiki initiative with the goal of providing universal access for 3- and 4-year-olds by 2032.
• More than 100 new classrooms have opened since 2023, with many located in underserved communities.
• Hawaii's public pre-K program meets all 10 NIEER quality benchmarks.
• Families may also qualify for Preschool Open Doors, which helps cover preschool costs for eligible children.

State: Idaho

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: No

Program: N/A

Requirements/Details:

• Idaho doesn't currently offer a state-funded preschool program for typically developing 4-year-olds.
• Most families rely on Head Start, private preschool programs, or district developmental preschool services for children with disabilities.
• Several districts offer preschool, but these programs are generally tuition-based or serve children with specific educational needs.
• Idaho is one of only a handful of states without a statewide publicly funded preschool program.

Notable City/County Programs: Boise, Meridian, and Idaho Falls run tuition-based or special education preschool only.

State: Illinois

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: Preschool for All (PFA) and Preschool for All Expansion

Requirements/Details:

• Free preschool is available for many 3 and 4-year-olds through Preschool for All, with priority given to children who have identified risk factors.
• If space is available, districts may also enroll children who don't meet priority criteria.
• Illinois is working toward universal preschool access through its Smart Start Illinois initiative.
• Access still varies depending on where you live, with some suburban and rural communities having fewer available seats.
• Chicago Public Schools already offer free full-day pre-K to every 4-year-old living in the city.

State: Indiana

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: On My Way Pre-K

Requirements/Details:

• Free pre-K is available to eligible families through On My Way Pre-K, but it isn't available statewide to every child.
• Families generally qualify based on income, and parents or caregivers must also be working, attending school, or participating in job training.
• The program is only offered in participating counties, so availability depends on where you live.
• Because funding is limited, families must apply and available seats may fill quickly.
• Some communities also offer additional preschool scholarships to help more families access care

State: Iowa

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Yes

Program: Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program (SWVPP)

Requirements/Details:

• Nearly every school district in Iowa offers free preschool for 4-year-olds, regardless of family income.
• The state funds up to 10 hours of preschool each week, so many programs operate as half-day schedules.
• Families who need full-day care often combine preschool with child care assistance, Head Start, or private child care.
• Many districts partner with community-based preschool providers to offer more options for families.

State: Kansas

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: Kansas Preschool Pilot and the At-Risk Four-Year-Old Program

Requirements/Details:

• Kansas offers free pre-K through targeted programs rather than a universal statewide program.

• Eligibility is based on factors such as family income, English learner status, or other qualifying risk factors.

• Available seats vary by district, with larger communities typically offering more programs.

• State leaders continue to discuss expanding and simplifying preschool access, but no universal program is currently available.

State: Kentucky

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: Kentucky Preschool Program

Requirements/Details:

• Free preschool is available for many 4-year-olds whose families meet income requirements.

• Children with developmental delays or disabilities may qualify regardless of family income.

• Most programs operate as half-day schedules through local school districts.

• Kentucky has explored expanding preschool access in recent years, but universal pre-K has not yet been adopted.

• State preschool funding declined during the 2024-25 school year.

State: Louisiana

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: LA 4 (Cecil J. Picard Early Childhood Program), plus NSECD and 8(g) preschool

Requirements/Details:

• Free full-day pre-K is available for many income-eligible families, although seats are limited.
• Most families qualify based on household income, generally at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.
• Because demand is high, thousands of eligible children remain on waiting lists each year.
• Programs are offered through public schools as well as participating private and faith-based providers.
• Applying early can improve your chances of securing a seat.

State: Maine

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: Maine Public Preschool (public pre-K)

Requirements/Details:

• Maine is steadily expanding access to free public pre-K, although it hasn't yet reached every family statewide.
• Most school districts now offer public preschool, but availability and schedules vary by community.
• Many programs currently operate as part-day schedules rather than full-day.
• Families in some districts may encounter lotteries if demand exceeds available seats.
• The state's goal is to make preschool available to every 4-year-old.

State: Maryland

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: Blueprint Prekindergarten (Blueprint for Maryland's Future)

Requirements/Details:

• Free full-day pre-K is available for many families, with eligibility based primarily on household income.
• Families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level generally qualify for free preschool, while others may pay on a sliding scale.
• In many public school settings, families currently pay nothing regardless of income.
• Maryland continues expanding preschool access through both public schools and community-based providers.
• Some parts of the statewide rollout have slowed because of budget pressures.

State: Massachusetts

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI), plus district preschool funded through Chapter 70

Requirements/Details:

• Preschool availability depends largely on where you live, as Massachusetts funds programs through participating communities rather than offering one statewide program.
• Some cities provide free preschool, while others have more limited access.
• The state continues investing in preschool expansion and child care programs, although universal pre-K hasn't yet become statewide policy.
• Several communities, including Boston and Cambridge, already offer extensive free preschool opportunities for local families.

State: Michigan

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Yes

Program: PreK for All (Great Start Readiness Program / GSRP)

Requirements/Details:

• Every 4-year-old is now eligible for free pre-K, regardless of family income.
• When demand is high, enrollment priority is still given to lower-income families.
• Families can choose from participating public schools, Head Start programs, and community-based providers.
• While eligibility is now universal, available seats may still be limited in some communities.
• Michigan's program meets all 10 NIEER quality benchmarks and continues expanding statewide capacity.

State: Minnesota

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) and School Readiness Plus

Requirements/Details:

• Free pre-K is available through participating school districts, but availability depends on where you live rather than family income alone.
• The state funds a set number of preschool seats, so not every district offers the same opportunities.
• Families who receive a seat typically attend school-day preschool at no cost.
• Additional scholarships and school readiness programs help eligible families access community-based preschool options.
• Minnesota recently made thousands of previously temporary preschool seats permanent.

State: Mississippi

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: Mississippi Early Learning Collaboratives (MELC)

Requirements/Details:

• Free preschool is available through local Early Learning Collaboratives, although the program reaches only a portion of eligible children.
• Programs bring together public schools, Head Start, child care providers, and community organizations.
• Mississippi's preschool program is nationally recognized for quality and meets all 10 NIEER quality benchmarks.
• Funding has expanded over the past decade, but many families still rely on other preschool options.

State: Missouri

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: Missouri Preschool Program (MPP), plus Foundation Formula pre-K funding

Requirements/Details:

• Missouri offers free preschool through several income-based programs rather than a universal statewide system.
• Eligibility generally depends on household income or other qualifying factors.
• Available programs vary significantly by school district, so access depends largely on where you live.
• Families in some communities may have more options than others because local funding differs across the state.
• Applying through your local school district is often the best place to start when exploring eligibility.

State: Montana

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: No

Program: N/A

Requirements/Details:

• Montana doesn't currently offer a statewide publicly funded pre-K program for all families.
• Most preschool options are available through Head Start, tribal Head Start, or private tuition-based programs.
• Some school districts offer preschool, but these programs are generally limited or designed for children with disabilities.
• Although statewide pre-K has been proposed several times, it has not yet been approved.

State: Nebraska

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: Nebraska Early Childhood Education Grant Program

Requirements/Details:

• Free preschool is available for children who meet certain at-risk criteria rather than all 4-year-olds.
• Eligibility may be based on factors such as household income, English learner status, or other qualifying needs.
• Programs are offered through local school districts and educational service units, often in partnership with community providers.
• Nebraska experienced one of the country's largest decreases in preschool funding during the 2024-25 school year.

State: Nevada

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: Nevada Ready! State Pre-K

Requirements/Details:

• Nevada offers free pre-K to eligible families, although the program isn't available statewide to every child.
• Eligibility expanded for the 2025–26 school year, allowing more families to qualify.
• Programs are offered through local school districts and participating community providers.
• In some areas, available seats exceeded demand, so families may find it easier to enroll than in previous years.

State: New Hampshire

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: No

Program: N/A

Requirements/Details:

• New Hampshire doesn't currently offer a statewide publicly funded preschool program.
• Most free preschool opportunities are available through Head Start or special education services.
• Some local school districts also offer preschool, although many programs charge tuition.
• Whether free preschool is available depends largely on where you live and your child's eligibility.

State: New Jersey

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: Preschool Education Aid (former Abbott districts, plus expansion districts)

Requirements/Details:

• New Jersey offers one of the country's strongest free pre-K programs, but it's only available in participating school districts.
• Families living in eligible districts can access free, full-day preschool for both 3- and 4-year-olds.
• The state continues expanding the program to additional communities each year.
• If your district hasn't yet received state expansion funding, free pre-K may not be available locally.
• Participating programs are known for high quality, certified teachers, and partnerships with community providers.

State: New Mexico

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Yes

Program: New Mexico PreK (ECECD), alongside Universal Child Care

Requirements/Details:

• Every 4-year-old can attend free pre-K, regardless of family income.
• Families can choose between public schools and participating community-based preschool providers.
• Both half-day and extended-day options are available, although preschool for 3-year-olds is more limited.
• New Mexico became the first state to make early childhood education a constitutional right.
• The state has also expanded access to no-cost child care for families with children from birth through age 13, helping more families access care beyond pre-K.

State: New York

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: Statewide Universal Full-Day Prekindergarten (UPK)

Requirements/Details:

• Free pre-K is available in many communities, but access depends on your local school district.
• Some districts, including New York City, offer universal pre-K, while others have fewer available seats.
• Many communities continue expanding full-day preschool options each year.
• Depending on your district, programs may use lotteries or offer half-day schedules when demand is high.
• Families should check with their local district to learn what programs are available.

State: North Carolina

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: NC Pre-Kindergarten (NC Pre-K)

Requirements/Details:

• Free pre-K is available for many at-risk 4-year-olds, with eligibility based primarily on household income and other qualifying factors.
• Programs operate as full-day preschools and are managed locally by each county.
• Waiting lists are common because demand often exceeds available funding.
• North Carolina continues to offer high-quality preschool, although statewide access has declined in recent years.

State: North Dakota

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: Early Childhood Education Grant Program, plus state-approved district pre-K

Requirements/Details:

• North Dakota offers limited free preschool through grants and participating school districts rather than a statewide universal program.
• Availability depends on where you live, and many communities have few publicly funded preschool options.
• Head Start continues to serve many eligible families across the state.
• Some communities also participate in Waterford Upstart, an at-home kindergarten readiness program.

State: Ohio

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: Ohio Early Childhood Education (ECE) Grant

Requirements/Details:

• Free preschool is available to many lower-income families through Ohio's Early Childhood Education Grant program.
• Eligibility is generally based on household income, and available seats vary by community.
• Many programs operate as half-day preschools.
• Several cities, including Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Dayton, also offer additional locally funded preschool programs that expand access beyond the state program.
• Families should check both state and local preschool options when exploring eligibility.

State: Oklahoma

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Yes

Program: Oklahoma Early Childhood Four-Year-Old Program

Requirements/Details:

• Every 4-year-old can attend free pre-K, regardless of family income.
• Most children attend programs offered through their local public school district.
• Many districts provide a full school-day schedule, making Oklahoma's program one of the most comprehensive in the country.
• Oklahoma has offered universal pre-K longer than any other state.
• Lead teachers are certified early childhood educators and receive the same pay scale as K–12 teachers.

State: Oregon

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: Preschool Promise and Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten (OPK)

Requirements/Details:

• Free preschool is available to eligible families through income-based programs rather than a universal statewide system.
• Eligibility is generally based on household income, and available seats remain limited.
• Families in Multnomah County have access to an expanding Preschool for All program that is available regardless of income.
• Oregon continues working to increase preschool capacity, although expansion has been slower than originally planned.

State: Pennsylvania

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, plus Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program

Requirements/Details:

• Free pre-K is available to many families whose household income is at or below 300% of the federal poverty level.
• Programs are offered through public schools, licensed child care providers, and Head Start programs.
• Because funding is distributed through grants, availability varies depending on where you live.
• While many families qualify, current programs reach only about one-third of eligible children.
• Some cities, like Philadelphia, offer additional local preschool programs that expand access.

State: Rhode Island

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: Rhode Island State Pre-K

Requirements/Details:

• Free pre-K is available through Rhode Island's state program, but the number of available seats is limited.
• Programs are full-day, offered through both schools and community providers, and are nationally recognized for quality.
• When more families apply than there are available spots, seats are filled through a lottery.
• The state continues adding classrooms each year as it works toward expanding access.

State: South Carolina

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: SC Child Early Reading Development and Education Program (CERDEP), commonly called 4K or First Steps 4K

Requirements/Details:

• Free full-day pre-K is available to eligible families who meet income requirements or other qualifying criteria.
• Programs are offered through both public schools and participating private or faith-based providers.
• Since expanding statewide in 2021, South Carolina has continued adding more preschool seats each year.
• Families should check eligibility requirements with their local district or First Steps provider.

State: South Dakota

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: No

Program: N/A

Requirements/Details:

• South Dakota doesn't currently offer a statewide publicly funded preschool program.
• Most free preschool opportunities are available through Head Start, tribal Head Start, or a small number of district programs.
• Many families rely on private preschool or faith-based programs.
• Some districts continue to experience long waiting lists for early childhood programs.
• South Dakota is one of the few remaining states without a statewide pre-K program.

State: Tennessee

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: Tennessee Voluntary Pre-K (VPK)

Requirements/Details:

• Free pre-K is available for eligible families, with priority given to children from lower-income households and those with other qualifying needs.
• Children in foster care, English learners, and children with disabilities may also receive priority.
• If space is available, districts may enroll children who don't meet the priority requirements.
• Programs are offered through participating school districts across the state.
• Available seats remain limited in many communities.

State: Texas

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: Texas Public Pre-K (administered through TEA)

Requirements/Details:

• Free public pre-K is available to many Texas families, but children must meet at least one of the state's eligibility requirements.
• Families may qualify based on household income, English learner status, foster care, homelessness, military service, or other approved criteria.
• Although Texas doesn't offer universal pre-K, the eligibility rules are broad enough that many 4-year-olds qualify.
• Families whose children don't qualify may still have tuition-based pre-K options through their local school district.
• Several cities also operate additional local preschool programs that expand access beyond the state program.

State: Utah

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: Utah High Quality School Readiness Program, plus Upstart

Requirements/Details:

• Utah offers free preschool through targeted programs rather than a universal statewide system.
• Eligibility is based on factors such as household income, disability, foster care, English learner status, or other qualifying needs.
• Families may also have access to Upstart, a state-supported kindergarten readiness program that children complete at home.
• Publicly funded preschool remains limited compared to many other states.

State: Vermont

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Yes

Program: Universal Prekindergarten (Act 166)

Requirements/Details:

• Every 3, 4, and 5-year-old is eligible for publicly funded pre-K, regardless of family income.
• Families can choose from participating public schools, private preschool programs, Head Start, and licensed family child care providers.
• The state funds up to 10 hours of preschool each week, with families paying for any additional hours they need.
• Vermont has one of the highest preschool enrollment rates in the country.
• Families enroll through their local school district each year.

State: Virginia

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI), plus Mixed Delivery grants

Requirements/Details:

• Free preschool is available for many at-risk 3 and 4-year-olds, with eligibility based primarily on household income.
• Some local communities are able to serve families with higher incomes through additional local funding.
• Programs are offered through both public schools and participating community providers.
• Access varies depending on where you live, since Virginia doesn't currently offer universal statewide pre-K.
• Several communities continue expanding access for more families over the coming years.

State: Washington

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Partial

Program: Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), plus Transition to Kindergarten

Requirements/Details:

• Free preschool is available to eligible families through Washington's Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP).
• Eligibility is primarily based on household income, although income limits are gradually expanding.
• Some school districts also offer Transition to Kindergarten programs, but availability varies by community.
• Washington plans to guarantee preschool access for all eligible children by the 2030–31 school year.
• Families should check both ECEAP and local district options when exploring preschool opportunities.

State: West Virginia

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Yes

Program: West Virginia Universal Pre-K

Requirements/Details:

• Every 4-year-old can attend free pre-K, regardless of family income.
• Children with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) may also qualify beginning at age 3.
• Programs are offered in every county through partnerships between public schools, child care providers, private preschools, and Head Start.
• West Virginia consistently ranks among the nation's leaders for preschool participation.
• Families in some situations may choose to keep an eligible 5-year-old in pre-K for an additional year instead of starting kindergarten.

State: Wisconsin

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: Yes

Program: Four-Year-Old Kindergarten (4K)

Requirements/Details:

• Nearly every school district offers free 4K for all 4-year-olds, regardless of family income.
• Most programs operate as half-day schedules, although some districts also provide full-day options.
• Several districts partner with licensed child care providers, making it easier for working families to access care throughout the day.
• Because schedules vary between districts, families should check what options are available locally.

State: Wyoming

Free Pre-K for 4-Year-Olds: No

Program: N/A

Requirements/Details:

• Wyoming doesn't currently offer a statewide publicly funded preschool program for typically developing 4-year-olds.

• Most families rely on Head Start, private preschool programs, or district developmental preschool services for children with disabilities.

• Preschool availability varies by community, and many programs charge tuition.

• Wyoming remains one of the few states without a statewide pre-K program.