How do you feel about Universal Pre-K?

[ARmom]

What is your opinion on Universal Pre-K?
What is your candidate’s ideas on Universal Pre-K?

I ask this because as we are heading into the 2008 election - an important topic to me is Universal Pre-K, but I don’t feel this gets enough media attention. Before you answer - I want to clarify that I am in favor of VOLUNTARY Universal Pre-K. I would like all 3 & 4 year olds to have the option to go to a state-accredited, state and/or federally funded preschool - regardless of their income.

The reason this is important to me is because it affects me personally. I have 3 kids - ages 4, 3 and 20 months. In my town, our school district has an integrated preschool program for 3 & 4 year olds. The program runs out of our elementary school. Children who are classified as having a disability (either mental, behavioral, or physical) get into this program automatically. Non-classified children are then picked through a lottery and get to attend the preschool program for free. This allows all the kids to be mainstreamed together.

Last year, my daughter (who was 3 at the time) was lucky enough to get picked for this program. It was 5 days a week, 2 ½ hours a day. It was a wonderful program and even better - it was held at the elementary school where she will be going to kindergarten when she‘s 5. I can’t believe how much she grew and learned within that year. However - even though you are picked one year, you have to go through the lottery again for the next year. Sadly - she, nor my son (who is 3 this year) were picked. They are in another preschool (that we pay for), and is good, but I wish they could be in the township provided preschool.

Many of us are familiar with the Head Start program. Eligibility for Head Start services is largely income-based (100% of the federal poverty level), though each locally-operated program includes other eligibility criteria such as disabilities and services to other family members. As of late 2006, up to 10% of any funded program's enrollment can be from over-income families. Head Start Programs are geared for different ages and populations of children.  In my opinion - if preschool is seen as necessary for these kids - why not all kids?  Why can't there be a collaboration between leaders of Head Start and state Pre-K programs to allow all preschool age children the benefit of early education?

There are many benefits to preschool for 3 and 4 year olds. Research has shown how quality preschool programs improve early learning skills, and less remediation is needed throughout the education system. Ultimately this would save the schools money, as well as property owners who pay for schools in their property taxes.  For more reasons take a quick look at "Benefits of High Quality Pre-K."

It’s up to us, as mother’s, to make sure this issue is addressed in the upcoming election.

There are many initiatives focused on Universal PreK and early education in general.  Some websites that are dedicated to this are:

• Pre-K Now
• National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER)
• National Association for the Education of Young Children (naeyc) 
   

For me, I have seen what one year of quality preschool has done for my daughter. I would like the same opportunity for my other children, as well as for every 3 and 4 year old in the country.

[daqulynn]

Dec. 2, 2007 at 9:53 PM

Since I own a private preschool I am going to say no. I would lose my livelihood.

[MichelleK41]

Dec. 2, 2007 at 11:44 PM

I would like all 3 & 4 year olds to have the option to go to a state-accredited, state and/or federally funded preschool - regardless of their income.

I agree, its not fair to single out the children because of what their families income is. 

[jkat72]

Dec. 3, 2007 at 8:48 PM

I struggled with the decision on whether or not to place DD in a program for 3s this year.  I did and am very glad.  She is learning a lot but more importantly, is getting the socialization that she dearly needed.  Of course I would like to not have to pay for this.  Of course I would love it if every parent could provide the experience for their child.  I do not think it should be a federal issue.  Reform should happen at the state level.

But thanks, Amy.  I had not heard that there was such a movement for universal pre-k.  Wow.

[momtomatthew02]

Dec. 4, 2007 at 9:13 PM

Our district has a pre-k.  It is run partially through grants.  Low income kids automatically get in.  Then there is a lottery system.  They only have so many slots for the program.  Of course, some kids who qualify for Head Start go to the district pre-k.  Some kids go to pre-k at school if they're lucky enough to get in.  Some end up in daycare.   We also have a Catholic School that has a pre-k program open to all, but you have to pay.  It is my opinion that pre-k for 4 year olds should be open to any 4 year old whose parents want them to attend.  We were under income at the time, so my son did get in to the pre-k at school so we were lucky.  I know other parents whose kids didn't get in and sent theirs to the Catholic School for pre-k.  I feel that it is important, regardless of income to have access to a pre-k program within the school setting where your child will spend his next several years.  Pre-school sets the stage for upcoming years.  My son is an only child and benefitted from the socialization.  Plus, if there are any underlying problems, such as ADHD, LD etc, it can be picked up on earlier.  It was suspected that my son had something that wasn't the norm in pre-school.  We were able to have some testing done before kindergarten.  Although deemed ineligible at the start of school, he has the stage set for upcoming testing in order to help him earlier.  This should help him to not struggle so much, as we have already set the ball rolling to help him earlier, rather than later, as he is struggling with his lack of focus and inattention.  Yes, he is only in kdg, but the earlier interventions are started for a kid in need, the better.  I love my son and am so glad that he had the experience of having the pre-k experience.  If it weren't for pre-k, he wouldn't have been evaluated as soon. and he'd be struggling longer before we could get him the help he needs.  YES, UNIVERSAL PRE-K NEEDS TO BE AN OPTION FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR CHILDREN.

[nskurjunis]

Dec. 27, 2007 at 10:03 PM yes as an educator and a parent, i feel universal pre k should be mandatory.  i dislike that presently it is income based, although underpriviledge kids do deserve an opportunity for success, so do middle class children.  Every child should begin with the same sounding board and move forward on their own accord, not based on their income. 

[adeloa]

Dec. 28, 2007 at 10:41 AM

I agree that Pre-K  should be an option available for ALL children. We have the lottery system here in GA, as well.

Unfortunately, the Pre-K program offered here through the school system is an all day program 5 days a week. My husband and I discussed this option for our son, but quickly ruled it out. That just seems too much for our little 3 year old, especially if we don't absolutely HAVE to.

Your 2 1/2 hr a day program sounds like something we would've jumped on, though!!!