Frequently Asked Questions

The Program

Who Benefits

Everyone benefits because the program will build a better Saint Paul. The program will supplement existing funding so that all zero to five year olds in Saint Paul, who live at or below 185% of poverty, would be able to attend an early learning program for free. Once the program is fully funded, the program will offer subsidies to families above that threshold.

Services Covered

Children could attend any quality program in a mixed delivery system, including school-based programs, HeadStart, child care centers, and family child care. The program will cover a variety of service levels, up to full-day, full-year programming. An online platform will allow families to view all available programs, receive assistance from a navigator and apply for funding.

The Need

Our education systems have been historically underfunded by state and federal governments. Having our students entering kindergarten ready to learn will decrease the amount of money our district spends on special education mandates. In 2018, SPPS spent $42 million more than it received to fund special education programs.

Education isn't just about funding schools — it's the gateway for people to join the workforce, the housing market, the economy, and contribute to the community in countless ways. We can't improve the health of Saint Paul without addressing education — especially early learning.

A Better Saint Paul

Getting children on the path of success at an early age ensures the success of our city's future workforce, economy, and overall well-being. Children entering kindergarten today are tomorrow's essential workers, health care professionals, business owners and civic leaders.

There is no more powerful tool for achieving equity than to give children equal access to quality early learning. Access to early learning correlates to increases in graduation rates, college enrollment, and property values.

Benefits for Everyone

The program will alleviate the burden on other public expenditures that increase when early learning is not adequately funded, such as medical and public assistance programs, special education programs, and unemployment. In addition to long-term returns on early learning funding, providing greater access to child care and education keeps more families in the workforce right now.

According to the Center for American Progress, American businesses lose an estimated $12.7 billion annually because of their employees' child care challenges. Nationally, the cost of lost earnings, productivity and revenue due to child care challenges totals an estimated $57 billion each year.

The pandemic has shown how modest investments in families can make a big difference in keeping our city running. We have an opportunity to apply that lesson and come together as a community stronger than ever. We can build a better Saint Paul for everyone.

The Cost

The program will be funded by a small, incremental, annual increase to property taxes over the next 10 years. The average home will pay less than $20 in the first year. After the 10th year, when the program is fully funded, the average home will pay around $150. This small price will fund a program that will ensure opportunity and equitable access to early learning opportunities for children across the city.

The Funding

Without changes to state law, a property tax referendum is the only way for Saint Paul to raise the funds and ensure they remain dedicated to early childhood education.