Path to universal pre-K in Michigan faces challenges with classroom staffing, space
-
Loading... - Cecile Sanchez
- 09 Mar 2023
- 46 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
The earlier in life children start school, the better chance they have at being successful in the future, educators say. However, a Democrat-backed plan to implement universal free preschool for Michigan’s 4-year-olds faces significant challenges.
A lack of classroom staffing, space and overall public awareness are a few of those challenges educators shared with lawmakers during a Tuesday, March 6, committee hearing to discuss expansion of the Great Start Readiness Program, Michigan’s state-funded preschool program.
“Preschool is not only a priority for the governor, but this legislature and especially for us in the Senate, but we have a lot of challenges that need to be thought through,” said Sen. Darrin Camilleri, D-Trenton and chair of the Appropriations K-12 Subcommittee.
Whitmer introduced the idea of universal preschool in her State of the State address in January. The following month, she recommended the legislature appropriate $257.3 million toward making preschool free and accessible for all Michigan families — currently, families can only qualify for free preschool based on income.
Unlike most Senate meetings, Tuesday’s hearing took the discussion outside of Lansing and to the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District in Wayne County, where lawmakers could hear directly from early education experts in a community setting.
Woodhaven-Brownstown Superintendent Mark Greathead said the district’s experience in early childhood education and intervention shows the profound impact an early start can have on children and their families.
“We truly believe that an investment in early childhood education, one that begins the relationship between the school district and the family as soon as possible, is the single greatest investment that can be made in terms of positively impacting a child’s future academic and social and emotional gains and growth,” Greathead said.
But Woodhaven-Brownstown, with resources for programs, is the exception, Greathead said, and not all of Michigan’s school districts are as uniquely positioned to provide these opportunities. Read More…
