More kids than ever are attending state-funded preschool in the U.S., 1.8 million of them the last school year. A report by the National Institute of Early Education Research finds that 37% of 4-year-olds and about 10% of 3-year-olds are enrolled. However access to free preschool remains uneven across states. California contributed significantly to the increase by making all 4-year-olds eligible for a program called “transitional kindergarten.” But the rapid rollout meant the state missed many quality benchmarks last school year. Evidence shows that high-quality preschool can positively impact a child's future, but challenges such as uneven access and funding persist.

Across Shreveport, Louisiana, schools were limping through the day, stung by the deadliest mass shooting in the U.S. in more than two years. Seven siblings and a cousin were killed Sunday. The children ranged in age from 3 to 11.  At a preschool program in the city, teacher Angela Hall lasted until noon. One of the dead was a student, a boy she described as a “cool little dude.” She had just pulled his mother aside last week to brag that he could write his first and last name. Now she is praying. “Just give us that strength.”