Vermont provides pre-k programs to all 3- and 4-year-olds

(AP) — State officials say Vermont has become the first state to provide publicly funded pre-kindergarten programs to all 3- and 4-year-olds as of this month.

The office of Gov. Peter Shumlin says more than 70 percent of Vermont children under age 6 have working parents, so universal pre-K is critical to supporting working families.