TULSA, Okla. (AP) — A new study says nearly two-thirds of Oklahoma's kids from low-income families did not attend a preschool program from 2009 through 2011.
The Kids Count report is being released Monday by the Baltimore-based Annie E. Casey Foundation that advocates for investing in the early years of a child's life.
The report also found that more than half of Oklahoma's kids from birth to eight years old were living in low-income households last year.
The 20-page report underscores Oklahoma's recent troubles in dealing with early childhood issues. In June, the foundation ranked the state 36th in the nation for child well-being based on finances, education, health and family and community issues.
The foundation says attending a high-quality preschool program can significantly contribute to the healthy development of young children, especially those in lower-income homes.