A state panel looking into Missouri's Pre-Kindergarten system is crafting a set of recommendations that are due to be released in November.

The level of access to Pre-K programs in Missouri varies, with some schools offering classes only to 4-year-olds, and others to children age three and even younger.

But there are also school districts that don't offer Pre-K at all.

Karen Bartz chairs the state Coordinating Board for Early Childhood.

"School districts are seeing by the time children come to kindergarten, many of them are not ready to learn...by the time we get to third grade, which is kind of that high-stake testing period, we've lost them," Bartz said.

Bartz emphasizes that state officials need to agree on what it means for children to be ready for school.

Bartz added that the recommendations should be ready in time for the next governor and General Assembly to consider.

Full text available at KWMU.