I have a 4 year old that can't go to pre-k in Texas because my husband and I make to much money.?

Question

Isn't pre k (or 4 year old) program a required class? Is this legal? What happened to our constitutional right to a free education? Please only serious answers. Is this not reverse discrimation?

Answer 1

Pre-Kindergarten is not a government required program.  The pre-kindergarten programs for 4 year olds are government funded for (1) low income families, or (2) limited English speaking children.

Likewise, there is a government funded program (PPCD) for 3 and 4 year old children who qualify through special education diagnostic testing as physically or mentally handicapped and in need of early childhood intervention education - "because of an educational need".

Parents who do not qualify for the above services must "purchase" early childhood and pre-kindergarten education from private schools and private day cares.

The exclusive PPCD and Pre-kindergarten services are legal.  They are the law.  Look up the "education code" in your state and read the details.  The Texas Education Code addresses your question - as follows:

http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/doc...

http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/doc...

MY OPINION:

It would be best if all children could have the opportunity to attend:

(1) half day public education at 3 years of age (not manditory)

(2) half or full day public education at 4 (half day manditory)

(3) full day public education at 5 years of age (manditory)  Many Texas school districts still have 1/2 day kindergarten programs.  This hinders the children's eduational growth.  It is very hard to "catch up" when starting so late (not attending pre-kindergarten), or after receiving only 1/2 day pre-K and kindergarten educational progams.

Answer 2

pre-k is NOT required as part of the free appropriate education. as the name implies, it is a PRE kindergarten program.

if your husband exceed the income guidelines, look into a local pre-k program that has a fee based on income that will allow you to pay on a sliding scale.

otherwise, you can get pre-k level books at Wal-Mart and teach him yourself. I did it with my oldest and also my niece and when they started kindergarten, they were head and shoulders above the level of the other children including those who had attended the pre-k classes.

it isn't the class that makes the education, it's the parental involvement.

it isn't discrimination of any sort. they offer headstart and pre-k programs to help children who are in financially disadvantaged circumstance because they are generally sub-par in both opportunity and skill due to a poverty level or below income and circumstance.

some are even mal-nourished because of poverty issues.

hang in there. look to see if there is a neighborhood pre-k group that can suffice for the program.

Answer 3

Pre-k has never been required anywhere. Public schooling begins at Kindergarten and goes through 12th grade. If you want to do preschool, you have to pay our of pocket.

A lot of churches have preschools. So does the YMCA. You might also find a nanny or home daycare. I have my own daycare out of my house and I do a lot of educational things such as learning letters and numbers and of course social skills. I think one of those options might be your best bet. Look online for preschools and home daycares in your area. I am sure there are lots.

You might also try a local university or community college. They often have ideas and even preschools for little ones.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Pre-K is not required education, only K-12.

Federally- or state-subsidized pre-K programs are there to help the economically disadvantaged afford the benefits of preschool education that many middle- and upper-class Americans can afford to provide their children with through private preschool programs. Additionally, some parents supply pre-K education to their children at home. Most bookstores have excellent educational materials to help parents in the Education or Child Development sections.

Answer 5

As a mother for two we never qualified for pre-k either. But let me advise you of this----If your child is in daycare make sure they are in a good pre-K program at that center. For the same amount of money, there is a difference at t hese daycares between 4 yr-olds playing all day, and 4-yr olds who are learning...the difference is seen once they start school. Best Wishes!

Answer 6

No only Kindergarden is required - PRE- k isn't required.  Its considered extra.  Try a church - sometimes they have day schools for a nominal fee

Answer 7

Pre-K is not required education. Plus they aren't saying you can't send your child to preschool just not a state funded one.

Answer 8

Pre-k is not mandatory in any state, so it is perfectly legal.  You are entitled to a free, appropriate education for your child if your child has an identified disability.  Otherwise, you are eligible for free preschool programs only if you meet the income restrictions.  Your "constitutional right to a free education" only applies to mandated (compulsory) education, which is usually first grade and up (although most states include kindergarten in this qualification), unless your child meets the disability requirements stated above.  Other than those options, you have to pay for childcare/pre-k services out of your own pocket, since they are not required or mandated by law to offer them.  If the "preschool for all" law passes, this will change, and there will be universal preschool for all 4 year olds.  As it stands however, there is no initiative for this passed yet- so you'll have to pay for one on your own if you do not meet the income requirements for free or reduced price daycare.

Answer 9

You are refering to a free pre-school. Look for a church or a private 4 year old program. You will be MUCH happier with that type of program. Your child needs to go to preschool .

Four year old programs today are what kindergarten used to be.