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Overview
Utah does not have a state-funded preschool program.
State Policy
Utah has no state policy on the provision of pre-kindergarten.
Eligibility Criteria
No program.
Program Length/Duration
No program.
Funding
No program.
Quality Standards
There is no state-funded pre-k program. The state Department of Human Services
has drafted voluntary early learning guidelines.
Delivery of Preschool Services
No program.
Requirements for Student Assessment
and Program Evaluation
No program.
Education Clause in State Constitution
The education provisions of the Utah constitution state that the legislature must provide for the establishment
and maintenance of a public education system open to all children of the state,
consisting of free elementary and secondary schools and such other schools
and
programs as the Legislature may designate.
Summary of Case Law on School Finance System
There have not been any school finance cases filed in Utah.
Summary of Case Law on Preschool
There is no case law in Utah addressing preschool issues.
Utah Const. Art. X, § 1
The Legislature shall provide for the establishment and maintenance of the
state's education systems including: (a) a public education system, which shall
be open to all children of the state; and (b) a higher education system. Both
systems shall be free from sectarian control.
Utah Const. Art. X, § 2
The public education system shall include all public elementary and secondary
schools and such other schools and programs as the Legislature may designate.
The higher education system shall include all public universities and colleges
and such other institutions and programs as the Legislature may designate.
Public elementary and secondary schools shall be free, except the Legislature
may authorize the imposition of fees in the secondary schools.
Utah Const. Art. X, § 5
(1) There is established a permanent State School Fund…
… (3) There is established a Uniform School Fund which shall consist of revenue
from the following sources:
(a) interest and dividends from the State School Fund;
(b) revenues appropriated by the Legislature; and
(c) other revenues received by the fund under any other provision of law or
by donation.
(4) The Uniform School Fund shall be maintained and used for the support of
the state's public education system as defined in Article X, Section 2 of this
constitution and apportioned as the Legislature shall provide. …
Is Education a Fundamental
Right under the State Constitution?
No determination to this effect.
School Finance Cases in Favor
of Plaintiffs:
None.
Standard for a Constitutionally
Adequate Education:
None.
School Finance Cases against
Plaintiffs:
None.
Decisions Ruling School Finance
Issues Were Non-Justiciable:
None.
Cases Related to State-Funded
Preschool:
None.
Pending School Finance Cases:
None.
Utah
Pre-Kindergarten Guidelines (2006)
Provisions Expressing State Policy on Preschool:
None.
Eligibility Criteria for State Preschool Program:
None.
Program Length/Duration:
None.
Scope of State’s Responsibility to Provide Preschool:
None.
Scope of State's Responsibility to Fund Preschool:
None.
Source of Funding for Preschool Program:
None.
Scope of Child's Right to
Attend Preschool:
None.
Curriculum Content Standards for Preschool Program:
Utah Pre-Kindergarten Guidelines
The purpose of the Pre-Kindergarten Guidelines is
to help families, educators and communities make informed decisions about curriculum
for pre-kindergarten children. Parents and families have the primary role and
responsibility for their child’s learning in the early foundational years.
These guidelines will serve as a valuable tool for learning at home and opening
two-way communication between preschool teachers, child care providers, and
parents. This early communication will establish meaningful partnerships that
will impact the child’s academic success today and in the future. Decision
makers and communities will find the guidelines to be a valuable resource for
their role in the education of young children.
The Guidelines describe specific, research-based objectives for pre-kindergarten
children in five basic content areas. The intent of this organizational design
is to ensure that all four-year-old children have the opportunity in their
early childhood experiences to achieve these objectives. The implementation
of these guidelines in the home and in early childhood programs will improve
kindergarten transition and reduce readiness and achievement gaps.
Sample:
Mathematics Guidelines
Guideline I: The child will understand simple number concepts and operations.
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Objective 1: Develops counting skills. |
Possible Strategies |
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a. Recites numbers in order from 1-10 (rote counting). |
- Lead the children in oral counting to 10 and beyond as part of the
daily routine (e.g., counting children, lunch count).
- Sing or chant number songs and rhymes such as "One Potato, Two
Potato" and "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe."
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b. Counts objects in groups up to five. |
- Clap 1-5 times and have children tell how many claps they hear.
- Set up baskets of large counters for children to take by handfuls
(large markers, large erasers, rolls of tape, small cars). After taking
a handful, children count to see how many they have.
- Play "I Spy the Number __." Select a number for the activity,
such as three. Children search for items that they find in threes in
their learning environment, such as three windows, three plants, or
three chairs at a table.
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Teacher Certification/Qualification Standards for Preschool Program:
None.
Other Quality Standards for Preschool Program:
None.
Delivery of Preschool
Services:
None.
Requirements for Student
Assessment and Program Evaluation:
None.
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