South Carolina Has the 7th Best Early Education System in America – WalletHub Study

Children in Pre-KPhoto byPhoto by Ksenia Chernaya

In a recent study by the personal-finance website WalletHub, South Carolina has been recognized as having the 7th best early education system in the United States. This ranking is based on the 2024 report on the "States with the Best & Worst Early Education Systems," which evaluated the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 12 key metrics. These metrics included the share of school districts offering a state pre-K program, the number of pre-K quality benchmarks met, and the total reported spending per child enrolled in pre-K.

Key Metrics for South Carolina's Ranking

The quality of early education in South Carolina was assessed on several important factors (1=Best; 25=Average):

• Overall Rank: 7th
• 28th – Share of 3- and 4-year-olds Enrolled in pre-K, pre-K Special Education, and Head Start
• 12th – Income Requirement for State Pre-K Eligibility
• 14th – Total State Head Start Program Spending per Child Enrolled in Preschool
• 1st – Monthly Child Care Co-Payment Fees as a Percent of Family Income
• 1st – Share of School Districts that Offer State Pre-K Program

South Carolina excels in making early education accessible and affordable, particularly highlighted by its top rank in both monthly child care co-payment fees as a percent of family income and the share of school districts offering a state pre-K program.

The Importance of Early Education

WalletHub’s analysis underscores the long-term benefits of investing in early education. Access to quality early education programs can significantly enhance a child's future academic performance, job opportunities, and earning potential. Cassandra Happe, a WalletHub analyst, noted, "The more that states invest in early education, and the more accessible they make those programs, the more they will benefit in the future. Having access to quality early education gives students a jump start that can improve their future performance in school, as well as lead to better job opportunities and higher earnings in the long-term."

Expert Commentary on Early Education

Experts provided valuable insights into the factors influencing a child's educational development and how policymakers can improve school systems:

• Maria Sargent, Ph.D., Professor at Ashland University, emphasized the critical role of parental involvement and the home environment in a child's early development. She stated, "A child's development is most strongly influenced by the care and nurturing of their parent(s) and other family members. These lessons set the foundation for later academics."
• Lori Latrice Martin, Ph.D., Associate Dean and Professor at Louisiana State University, highlighted the importance of qualified educators, a safe learning environment, access to health care services, nutritious foods, and a positive self-view in a child's educational development.

Policy Recommendations

Experts also shared strategies for state and local policymakers to enhance their school systems without increasing taxes.

• Tina Stanton-Chapman, Ph.D., Professor at the University of Cincinnati, advised policymakers to carefully research and select effective curricula based on academic literature and proven outcomes.
• Lori Latrice Martin, Ph.D., suggested fostering public and private partnerships and encouraging community involvement to identify and address educational needs.

Conclusion

South Carolina's high ranking in early education reflects its commitment to making early learning accessible and affordable. With continued focus on improving these programs, the state is likely to see long-term benefits in its educational outcomes and economic growth. For the full report and further details, visit WalletHub's study on the best and worst early education systems.

By investing in early education, South Carolina is setting a strong foundation for the future success of its children and, ultimately, the state's prosperity.