Report: Washington has too few kids in quality preschool

SEATTLE (AP) — Although Washington state has made an effort to improve the quality of preschool for low-income kids, a national report says the number of children who benefit from these programs is still inadequate.

The National Institute for Early Education Research says Washington state ranks 33rd in the nation for access to state preschool for 4-year-olds. The program saw a slight enrollment increase in 2014 with an additional 350 students.

Lawmakers have proposed a big increase in state spending on preschool for low-income kids this year, with a plan to keep expanding the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program.

But the state budget is still in limbo so that plan has not made it to the governor's desk.