Prekindergarten Question??

Question

Why is our elementary school only excepting children with low income to enroll in their pre-k classes,and is this fair?? I don't think it is It doesn't give the children a head start for kindergarten.

Answer 1

Many PreK programs are funded by federal monies which stipulate that the students must be at-risk.  Some school districts have additional PreK classes that are open to all students.  Head Start is just one of the federal programs that funds prekinder programs based on economic status of the family.  The assumption of the federal government seems to be that families who do not qualify for the program can afford to provide education opportunities without government assistance.  While we may not agree with that, I believe that is the premise for making it available only to low-income/disadvantanged children.

Answer 2

shejay hit it right on.  The impetuous for this is strictly funding.  It is so difficult to own/operate a program without outside funding.  As shejay said, grants of all sorts are given to programs that meet specific criterion.  Its a bit eschewed isn't it?  Usually, the programs that are adequately funded with grants, hire teachers who are more qualified and have more strict guidelines within principles/practices.  Why is this?  Because they have the money to do it!!  Grant recipients are accountable to this donor.  The assumption is that lower economic levels = an environment that has less promotion for learning/academia.  I hate to say "research has shown..." so I will say that I have read many articles that support this assertion.  I can say that (in my experience) that the correlation is very high. I had a parent (when in school working at a University sponsored center with this enrollment process) approach the school.  This parent said exactly what you are saying.  The resolution (after much debate) was a lottery of 10 spots for children who were not meeting the income criterion.  Perhaps you could propose this?  Have you looked at other schools? It will not be the end of the world for you to not get into this program.  Go to NAEYC and type in your zip code to find centers in your area that might also meet your needs.  I wish you well with this.  Please relax about the academics.  Your child will be aptly "prepared" in many environments that promote exploration, identity, community, self-help skills and intrinsic discovery within social settings.  You will be fine.

Answer 3

I'm out of the states now, but it seems every elementary school is probably different.  You'll have to talk to yours and see what the issue is.

Answer 4

They seem to think that they are underprivileged and deprived of education and that they are behind in some areas. I think it is unfair because if you make more income than you have to pay for it. Which means I would rather send my child to a private school. Prekindergarten to me is a way for the ones that are on welfare to get free daycare and the state does not have to pay for the daycares, in which low income families get, while they sit on their butts and don't do anything. I call it FREE SCHOOL, not preschool. There are kids out there that lack a lot of things and their parents make enough money, but they have to pay for their education...I do not think that should base preschool on incomes.  Someone needs to take this matter into court................ That to me is a form of discrimination..........any body else agree?