School enrollment for pre-k?

Question

I went to my elementary school to enroll my 4 year old into pre-k. I was told that she couldn't go because she spoke English and we made too much money.I am SOOOO disgusted with this! It makes me so mad that these illegal aliens that break the law each and every day get to give their kids an education.I know it is only pre-k, but my daughter needs a transition from being at home to being without me. I thought pre-k would be a great transition because it is only half a day. I know that I am not the only one who is completely confused about this. Who do I talk to? Who would be the best person to get in contact with?

Answer 1

Our county works the same way:  based on need.  When it's filled, it's filled.  Nothing to be confused or mad over.

Since you are just asking the question now, most preschools will probably be full already.  That might be part of the problem with not getting into the public school program, too.  In our area, registration takes places for preschool in January for September classes.  You wait until August and you are totally out of luck.  I have a child coming to my preschool that speak absolutely no English, but because mom didn't get on the ball back in the spring and call the school system, there is no space for him.  We will do our best and hope he learns some English fast.  The child is Chinese.

Check with Head Start.  Private kindergartens can sometimes help you out with the tuition by giving you a reduced cost.  This mostly applies to religious preschools.  

Don't give up: keep calling and hopefully you'll find something.  Get your foot in the door by asking if they have any openings.  Go visit, listen to their spiel, then tell them your dilemma.  If you've made the effort to go visit, then they might be receptive to working with you on discounted tuition.  At this point, 1/2 tuition is better than an empty slot in their books!  Good Luck!

Answer 2

I understand. We must remember that the goal of federally funded programs is to provide a "head start" for children who are "at risk".  Unfortunately, research has shown that children who are "at risk" usually fall in the low-income racket as well as having English as a 2nd language, not a primary language.  There are also other "risk factors" that they take into consideration.  In our state we have to meet the income guidelines as well as have 2 "risk factors".  However, there are state funded programs that work hand in hand with these federally funded programs, in our state anyway, and only 50% of the class enrollment must meet the income guidelines...but still have the 2 risk factors. You can check that out in your state.  Hopefully in the next 10 years or so preschool will be available at no cost for all children...but that won't effect your family now.  If you don't need child care, consider "homeschooling" preschool.  If you need child care...you most likely are paying for it already, and have budgeted it so find a child care that has a preschool program as well.  Good luck.  If you would like some more info about "homeschooling" preschool you are welcome to email.

Answer 3

i understand you are concerned about getting your daughter into preschool.

however....headstart and more at four programs are based solely on income (not the language you speak). these programs are like many other government ran programs (ie wic, ...).

there are other preschool programs that your child may be able to get in to. try half day churches, some preschools you can go for 2 or 3 days out of the week, or even a regular preschool.

Answer 4

You can talk to someone in the state department of education in the early childhood division.

What state do you live in? Pre-K eligibility varies by state. Often it is only for children who have the greatest need. There is research that shows children from low income families have vocabularies significantly behind those from working class families and both are behind those from professional families. It may be easier for states and school districts to use that to draw a line for who qualifies and who doesn't. They are trying to help these children catch up.

Some children are eligible for pre-k because they don't know English. Some are illegal aliens, and some are not.

Pre-K is a great transition into elementary school. It benefits ALL children. Researchers have verified that it benefits middle class children, too. Often they get the worst deal - low income families qualify for many programs, and higher income families have more options for their children because of their personal resources.

Many states are working toward universal pre-k on a voluntary basis - any child is eligible, but none have to attend before kindergarten. Some are broadening eligibility requirements to other children who may be at risk in other ways. Do talk with someone in your state department of education - early childhood division. The sources I have listed are may help you make your point.

Meanwhile, you may want to pay for your child to attend a different preschool program. The best things you as a mom can do to help your child this year are read to her, talk with her, and do things together - things you probably are already doing.

Answer 5

I enrolled my son through 8-cap..try that  

Answer 6

call your lawer and sue they ***!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 7

This a federal funding initiative through Head Start. It's a problem all over the US.  Those kids are given those programs because they are the ones most at risk for falling behind academically.  The focus of the program is to get books in their hands, learn letters, basic counting, basic nutrition/safety, and social/emotional skills.  Students living in impoverished backgrounds don't have the opportunity for this.  In fact, many of them are operating a full year or two below their expected level.  That means that act like they are two years old.  They really need it.  It's rare to find a kid in these programs who come in "as expected."  

Why not try a mother's morning out program, a gymnastics class or something similar?  It will give her a little time to be separated from you and have some fun.

PS. Your daughter won't be the only one transitioning from home to school next year.  There will be several.

Answer 8

Im not sure exactly who as i am in England...but:

who is responsible for schools? For us it is our local education authority run by the county(state) council. Find out who is responsible for your education system and write a letter of complaint or phone and ask for an appointment.

You could always go back and say you will seek legal advice if they continue to discriminate against your daughter---you'll have to prove what they are doing is illegal. As I do not know your laws on eduction I cant help with that!

Answer 9

there are other pre-k's out there. you don't have to send her to the public school one. opt right now for a private school one, since the public school ones are mainly there for low income families and is part of the gov. plan to hve pre-k for every child. challenger is a nice preschool-8th school which you could look into if thats in your area. the actually teach basic things, like writing, abcs, reading, etc.