The mid-term election results put the proponents of universal pre-kindergarten around the country in a very good mood. Newly elected governors in Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, and Ohio, as well as the mayor-elect of the District of Columbia, all campaigned on the promise to support pre-K. In addition, ballot measures in Arizona and Nebraska won. (The local ballot measure in Denver remains undecided.) Pre-K Now, the Washington advocacy group underwritten by The Pew Charitable Trusts to help push universal pre-kindergarten in the states and nationally, says it will keep the pressure on to make sure the governors follow through on their promises. (Full-disclosure: the Pew Trusts underwrite this blog but do not determine the content.)

Journalists can play a role in this. They should be asking governors not only when they'll be following through but also how. A high-quality pre-kindergarten program costs money, real money. About the same per-pupil as kindergarten. Plus there are other questions: Where will the teachers come from? How will they be trained? Will they be required to have a four-year degree and a certification in early childhood? How will state programs incorporate the many, diverse providers of pre-kindergarten and child care already in existence. Lots of questions. Lots of stories.