Early Ed Roundup: Week of February 25 – February 29

Idaho Legislature Considering Pre-K

Idaho lawmakers will vote next week on two bills that could be the first steps to developing a state pre-k program. The legislation under consideration would fund a survey of existing pre-k programs in the state, allow local governments to levy funds for pre-k, and establish 10 state-funded pilot programs. This is a big step: Idaho is one of only 8 states that don’t fund pre-k, and current Idaho law actually prohibits spending public school funds to serve children younger than 5. A recent survey by Boise State University shows that a majority of Idaho residents support state funding for pre-k while the Idaho legislature has repeatedly blocked attempts to make it happen..

Alabama Pre-K Program Recognized for Community Involvement

The Tuscaloosa pre-k program received National Civic Star Award last week in recognition of the program’s community-wide commitment to pre-k. Local charities, city government, the United Way, and the Alexis de Tocqueville Society have contributed funds to support the program since it was founded in 1992. Today the program serves 299 at-risk four year olds; 150 more children are waiting for the program to secure more funding. Elsewhere in the state libraries in Birmingham recognize the importance of early literacy skills and operate a program to introduce infants to the joys of reading books.

Oregon Approves Full-Day Kindergarten … For a Fee

The Oregon Legislature last week approved a bill that will allow schools to charge parents for full day kindergarten services. Currently the state school funding formula only pays for half-day programs. Some districts use federal Title 1 funds pay for full-day programs, but others offer only half-day kindergarten. Education advocates in Oregon have been pressuring the state legislature for several years to increase funding for both full-day kindergarten and expanded pre-k. Many lawmakers said this week’s move is “elitist” and called on the state to support full-day kindergarten, which would come with an estimated $50 million price tag.