While funds for a modest pre-kindergarten were set aside in the state’s 2007-08 budget, Poughkeepsie City School District officials were left in the dark on specifics until recently.
“The board was asking questions about pre-K money,” said Board of Education President Raymond Duncan, but “there were no clear answers.” By the time officials did receive guidelines, it was too late to start a program in September.
But efforts have since stepped up, and the district is preparing to begin a program in January. The half-day session will run five days a week. To be eligible, children must be four years of age by Dec. 1. Parents can obtain an application at district offices and return it by Dec. 17.
A frequent request among parents who say they are financially overburdened by the cost of childcare, reinstitution of pre-K is “definitely a step forward,” said Duncan. “The entire board is looking forward to having a pre-K program again. We believe it’s something the community wants and we’re happy that this is something that is going to move forward,” said Duncan.
State funding is only sufficient for 127 f4-year-olds in pre-K this year. Anticipating that demand will exceed available spots, the district plans to implement a lottery system.
In previous years, income level has been a requirement for eligibility, but state funding this year is for “universal” pre-K open to all.
Albany legislators earmarked about $647,000 for pre-K in the Poughkeepsie district. While that sum is far less than what would be required to offer childcare to all 4-year-olds, Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D) has signaled that it is a first step toward that goal.
A few good parents
Many parents have come forward at Board of Education meetings to request the return of pre-kindergarten in the Poughkeepsie City School District. Now, school leaders are asking those parents to step up to the plate.
District officials are currently looking for volunteers to join a universal pre-kindergarten advisory board. A committee comprised of parents, educational professionals and community leaders is one of the requirements for receiving state funds.
Members will review proposals and help select partnering agencies to operate the pre-K program. Six childcare agencies have replied to the request for proposals, which were due by Nov. 15. The committee will help review their responses. “Who we choose will pretty much determine how the plan develops,” said Karen Markeloff, assistant superintendent for instruction.
Markeloff said that four people have expressed interest, but she still needs a few parents to join the group. There will likely be significant time commitments required to get the program off the ground by January, though the committee could dissolve afterward.
While the program will operate out of local childcare agencies, the district maintains control by setting the curriculum and training instructors.
“I am hopeful I can get people to help read and rate the proposals,” said Markeloff.