Meanwhile, only a third of 4-year-olds in the country were enrolled in state-funded preschool during 2017-18. State spending per child has decreased, according to the report, and most states fail to pay pre-K teachers comparably to those who teach kindergarten through third grade.

Nationwide, enrollment has more than doubled since 2002, but expansion has slowed in recent years. Although more children are attending pre-K programs, state funding is failing to keep pace, resulting in low compensation for teachers and poor classroom quality, said Steven Barnett, the institute’s founder and senior co-director.

“We are disappointed by the lack of progress and concerned about how many children miss out on quality early learning experiences that can make a lifelong difference,” Barnett said. “Some states are moving in the right direction, but many are standing still.”

Oklahoma is ranked No. 34 in the nation for state spending per child, at $3,644, down from $3,802 in 2016-17 with an adjustment for inflation. The report says local and federal funding increase the amount to $8,024 per child.

The national average for state spending per child was $5,172, an increase of $161 over the previous year.