Preschool

[Laurel]

Are these universal preschools full-day programs?

It probably depends on the area. Here in Florida we have had them for several years. It did cut into our home daycare business here.

Ours are full time, 5 days a week. The state pays for the preschool portion of the day but not before and after care. Still, it is cheaper for parents then paying for full time care. All centers here offer it and home daycares can but it is so impractical (with their rules for it) that most don't. I know a few that do though.

Laurel

Edited to add: It is for 4 year olds and is called VPK (voluntary pre kindergarten). So children are not required to attend but most do as who can resist free daycare?

[Unregistered]

I don't see why not... they are about MN legislative action but seems what happens in one state is not too far off from another.

I am not logged into FB right now and am just getting ready to do lunch so if you hang tight until after I get everyone fed and down for a nap, I'll post the links to her groups.

Would you be able to give those links?

[Silly Songs]

I have to say , I'm not against free preschool . Maybe for 4's . Many children do not have the opportunity to read books , practice writing letters , learning the alphabet etc at home . Some are being raised in drug addiction environments , or by elderly grandparents who may not even think these skills are necessary for success in kindergarten and beyond . But I wonder what the difference is between these preschools for low income and Head Start ? I thought that was for low income children to prepare for school .

[Annalee]

I am in MN and our legislators just voted against universal preschool bill on Tuesday! happyface happyface

"After several hours of testimony on the bill, including an initial hearing last week, the committee voted 11-8 along party lines to reject the bill."

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/ses...x?StoryID=5498

My state was allotted a large sum of federal money for Pre-K (4 yr olds) here but it still is for income eligible kids first, then may fill with anyone...As for my county, there are a few pre-k classrooms but I don't lose many kids to them because most parents can't pick up by the allotted time or most schools do not have space for a pre-k classroom in the school (most schools here are overcrowded as it is, much less with pre-k). I do believe universal pre-k will gradually be everywhere but I am safe right now.

[KIDZRMYBIZ]

I'm also in Nebraska, but have not seen the article. Was it in the newspaper? If so, which one?

Omaha World Herald. You can go to the website and search on "Learning Community."