Dying Profession

[Annalee]

CA was in the process of creating a bill for "universal" prek, here they call it transitional kindergarten. So the bill was finally passed but has changed drastically from what it was originally. Instead of every child attending now it's that only low income children qualify to attend.

This is a completely different discussion but I'm getting really sick and tired of working my butt off to pay for those who don't work. My DS doesn't get to go to transitional kinder because we make "too much" but we don't make enough to afford private preschool regularly .

AMEN!!!!!

[Unregistered]

With the new Federal monies coming to the States for early education it is just a matter of time till all states jump on the bandwagon and offer FREE early preschool.

Our district had a sign on every corner, in front of every school, with FREE on it. Parents will only have to pay for before and after latchkey.

Our State incorporated Early preschool last fall and I lost my three year olds and most of my income. The only way I get SA children now is to provide transportation and take or pickup for the children whose parents hours don't mesh with the latchkey.

One other issue I found with the early school is that these babies, and they still are babies imo, is they don't get their naps and this is causing more behavioral problems.

Here, in Northern NJ, the schools offer free after school and breakfast for all four year olds. I know for the three year old areas, they get it too. Another problem with NJ is that every thing is political. For example, when I toyed with the idea of becoming a licensed center. I had so many hops to jumped through as a licensed teacher with a clean background. I've seen so many people who were sketchy or not real teachers get their own centers because they know someone, were related to someone, or were throwing money to local politicians like it was going out of style. Also in NJ, there is a smear campaign against home centers. How is one person taking care of five any worse than the conditions I see in "licensed" centers?

[Retired]

The last post was from me.

[Annalee]

I am NOT a pre-k fan, BUT I do think if pre-k is going to exist, IT SHOULD BE AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE! I don't think it is fair for non-working/income eligible parents to receive free daycare!!!!! Here, you have to be employed to receive subsidy pay so why should pre-k be any different???? :confused: