Preschool is 'critical' for the success of our children, but Tucson has ranked 2nd-worst in US for the second consecutive year. Tucson ranks second-worst in the nation on an indicator that predicts educational and economic success when it comes to 3- and 4-year-olds. More than two of every three kids in Tucson miss out on the early education that readies them for school. This lack of a strong foundation creates an achievement gap that is immediately obvious and is tough to close. Students who don't catch up by the third grade are more likely to drop out, end up in minimum-wage jobs and collect welfare.