Save Preschool
Since Iowa has one of the highest numbers of families with both parents working full-time jobs, the voluntary preschool program was launched four years ago to help middle class families and boost the skills of Iowa’s workforce. It also ensures that families play an active role in their child’s preschool experience. School districts partner with public and private preschool providers for the statewide initiative that currently serves 20,000 Iowa four year olds.
Democrats believe the statewide preschool initiative is sustainable and is a wise investment for our future. The state should not reduce access to public or private preschool and make it more difficult for middle class families. The state must also continue to guarantee quality instruction for children by certified teachers.
In the first bill of the 2011 legislative session, Republicans in the Iowa House voted to end statewide preschool for 20,000 Iowa four year olds ( House File 45). Governor Branstad has also proposed ending statewide preschool and using vouchers instead. However, the Governor’s plan would reduce access to preschool and give parents no guarantee of quality because it doesn’t require a certified teacher.
Sign the Petition!
Iowans are encouraged to sign the “Save Iowa Preschool Petition.”
For more information on Iowa’s preschool program, click here.
Click here to see the number of kids in each school district enrolled in preschool.
To find or contact your legislator, click here.
Click here to read the bill summary.
Like us on Facebook!
441 Comments for “Save Preschool”
Leave a Comment
I am very concerned about the future of the SVPP. As a parent of a preschooler this year using the SVPP and I also have a 3 year old getting ready to start preschool in the fall. This program has allowed my daughter the opportunity to attend a great preschool program where she is learning so much everyday and also getting interaction with children that she has not had in the past because of the cost of daycare. My 3 year old son needs this great start as well and without the SVPP I will not be able to offer him the same preschool experience as my daughter. The first 5 years are crucial on children to get them started on the right path with school and I hope that funding is not cut so our children’s education comes first. They are the future, so let’s not cut them short on the programs they need to succeed in life.
I teach in an elementary school that has a preschool program. The ‘young ones’ have added a wonderful new dimension to the building. One little guy walked up to me the other day and said, “I can read!” And he could! The amount of academic growth and love of learning I’ve seen in the last 5 months is amazing. Starting kids on the path to school early is essential in nurturing tomorrow’s leaders. Early education should be every child’s right, not something extra that only the wealthy can afford.
The following are ideas that may help our impasse concerning pre-school; as well as find ways to improve health care and improve our schools in general.
First, there are talks about funding high quality pre-schools; yet many will not send their kids to these centers if they over qualify (financially) for it. At the same time, China teaches English as a second language starting in pre-school. Kids learn a second language faster starting then. We cannot afford to not keep our eye on the ball, while countries like China, are getting a head start in educating their youth. Perhaps as incentives for more kids to attend high quality US pre-schools, parents could earn voucher credits by doing some kind of volunteer work for K-12 schools or non-profits.
Second, the US spends 16 percent of GDP on health care: while many other free developed countries spend only spend 8 percent. We have an obesity rate of 30.6 percent: while Japan has only a 3.2 percent rate. 70 percent of all illnesses are caused by lifestyle (smoking, overweight, lack of exercise.) If we can reduce our obesity and smoking rates by one half: millions of new jobs could be created indirectly by lowering our health care costs. We need to find ways to create healthier communities. Perhaps health care premiums could be greatly reduced for those who obtain ideal weight and who quit smoking. As long as we have such an unhealthy population, we will continue to borrow at such an alarming rate.
Third, studies have shown people are more productive on the job and in class if they obtain daily exercise. We also send kids home unsupervised between 3-6 pm. They get into trouble the most during those hours. Is there a way that parents who volunteer at schools could earn various vouchers to such programs as pre-school, (for their kids), community colleges or other jobs training (for themselves)? Parents could organize after school sports activities such as soccer or track and field between 3-6 pm. New mandatory hours could be given to students until 6 pm. Parents could also help with homework after school as well. Additional voucher credits for such items as snow removal, minor home repairs, or minor car repairs could also be earned. For so many hours parents donate as volunteer time for these organizations, they obtain these services from perhaps other parents.
These are ideas that may improve education and create healthier communities at the same time.
Apparently the people in legistlation are making so much money that they have forgotten the need for education. Whether it be for 4yr olds or any other age, education is the most important thing a child can receive. Whats with cutting all the “specials” like Art, Music, Gym, etc., and now they want to take the preschool too?? Whats wrong with you people?
Supposedly the money is needed for our roads–which is a bunch of bunk– the roads aren’t any better since they started taking the money from the schools. The children they are shorting are the future. I know I for 1 think that the future is in deep trouble because the children of today haven’t had a chance to appreciate or learn about things we all as adults had. What kind of world is it going to be like in 20 yrs when they are grown?? Not one of them will be able to play an instrument, draw, paint, etc. because of some stupid people who make more money sitting on their tush’s deciding things for us. I think every one of them should be kicked out of office if they think they should play God with our future generations. What good are they if they cannot see that children need all educational opportunities?? 4 of my children out of 7 went to a free preschool, which required me to volunteer at the school for them to participate. They all had a better understanding of many things-some of which were reading at the end of the yr, they all learned more during that yr than I as a parent could have taught them. I would hope that any child after to get the same opportunity as my chilren because it prepared them so much for kindergarten and the social skills every child needs. Save preschool-and the arts, as they are much needed.
As a mother of 3 I’m VERY concerned about the education of my children. Last year my daughter was in the 4 year old preschool program, and just blossomed as the school year went on. She was so excited to go to school this year. Not only to see her friends, but because she was excited to learn. I give credit to our preschool teachers that she had last year. What is wrong with our legislators that they don’t feel this is worth the money? How can you put a price on education? I know my daughter would have never been as ready for kindergarten as she was had it not been for the preschool program last year. Please don’t take that opportunity away from our other children. If children don’t get a good start on their education they will struggle with it all the way through. Save the preschool and the arts program…who knows how much the children will blossom as a result of it.
I am very upset to hear our gov. is tring to do away with this wonderful program! I am a stay home mom of two, my four year old is using the free program and I was hoping to get my two year old in it as well. Last year my husband and i checked into private preschools and they were too expencive for our budget. My husband works two jobs and seven days a week. We are not on welfare, food stamps or on any other gov. aid. This free preschool helps my husband and I out a lot. My daughter was very smart going into preschool this fall so I thought she would only benefit socially. But I was wrong. our daughter has learned so much that I wouldnt have even thought to teach her on her own. Right now she is working on reading…reading, a four year old preschooler. I get teary eyed thinking my two year old son may not have the same oppertunity as our daughter has because in a year from now we may not be ablle to afford preschool then either. I just dont understand why, in our governments heads they think its ok to cut preschools even though kids are suffering to make the grade in our public schools.we are very concerned for the education of our kids. it’s top priority but its obvious to me that we are dealing with a big goverenment out of touch with its people. My husband and I are just outraged. We sacrafice so much for our children and for their futures…you’d think our state government would be just as will to sacrafice and cut their budgets in diff ways for our children too. This is one of the reasons why Americans are suffereing in Science and math while people of other nations such as China are soaring. We put Material things first in America and our children suffer from it.
I am a single mother of 3 yr old twins, I work full-time to provide everything I can for my children. I ask for no state aid as I work hard not to rely on the state nor do I receive child support from their father. In life the most important things is my children and their education for their future. To take away from 4 yr old preschool funding is taking away from all our children’s futures. The ages of 3 and 4 yr old children is a huge developing stage and their brains absorb so much which is the beginning of their learning and ability to excel. My twins are a prime example the amazing education and well beyond the education level of a 3 yr old. They have been involved in a 3yr preschool program and were able to write their names before the end of the 1st semester at the age of 3. I am totally amazed at ALL of the wonderful skills they have learned from the benefits of preschool.. Taking away where it all starts is selfish and just plan ignorant. We want our children to grown up with all the education and knowledge of life not under educated and not able to succeed or not even be able to get a job due to under-educated. So where are your priorities? They should be with the children which are our FUTURE. So I ask as a mommy wanting what is BEST for her children….SUCESS DUE TO AN EDUCATION. Please save our preschools…..
So basically they want to take away education for younger children. Isn’t fact that children learn faster at a younger age. Going to preschool children learn the basics for interaction with other people, reading , writing, and other key subjects better preparing them for their school years to come. Taking that experience away from them seems like they want to set up the newest generation to fail. I for one believe that is as stupid as you can get. Education should be first on any list because that is the only way we are going to continue to move forward instead of stand still and let the rest of the world pass us by. Keep preschool its the best way to prepare the newest generation for their school years to come and set them in the right direction.
Having two children attend preschool before the volunteer preschool program and one attending the volunteer preschool program, I saw amazing changes. First of all, certified teachers in preschool classrooms made a huge difference! The things that my last child learned in preschool was incredible compared to my first two. Preschools need this funding to continue to provide high quality experiences to ALL four year olds and to continue to be able to keep certified teachers in the preschool classrooms!! There are other things that can be cut/reduced to help Iowa’s budget that wouldn’t hurt our children and families!!! Please don’t let this funding end!!!
Please save this program. It is so needed and helps Iowa’s future by making sure kids start school ready to excel. My son attends this preschool here in Cedar Rapids and many Iowa kids would really suffer if this program were cancelled. Let’s do the best for “the least among us.”
I am a single mother of a three year old that will be starting pre-school in the fall. I am orginally from Illinois and chose to stay in Iowa so my child could go to pre-school here. I fear that if they do not offer free pres-school she will not be able to go. I am on of those people that fall into the middle. I make to much to qualify for head start, but I do not make enough to afford pre-school. As a single mother working on a Master’s degree, I do not always have the time to work with my child. I believe that my child, as well as everyone elses who falls in the middle class deserves to reap the benefits that pre-school provides. I also believe that cutting the free pre-school program will add to the poor economy. Parents will have to find some way to pay for pre-school because education is valued, which means they will be pulling money from other budgets that may have helped the economy. We already have the head start program that is income based, if they make this pre-school program income based is the income guidelines help the middle class?
Help save this program!!!! My daughter attends 4 year-old preschool and I have seen dramatic changes in every aspect of her learning. I feel fortunate enough that without the grant, I could still afford to send her to preschool. Unfortunately, there are so many children whose families couldn’t afford to send them without this grant. If this program stops, what will happen to those children who can’t afford to go to preschool? There are dramatic changes for students from preschool to kindergarten, let alone for the children who do not attend preschool. Preschool prepares your child for a structured learning environment that they will have to follow for the rest of their education. With kindergarten being full days, it can be hard to adjust children to that schedule. Preschool provides all the opportunities for growth and development that help them adjust to those changes. If any changes are made to this program, it needs to be in favor of those families who fall below the income guidlines so that no child is left behind.
My daughter attends the preschool program in question, and I must say that her participation in the program has helped her to grow exponentially. As a Fulbright scholar, my family lived in Germany and Holland, and my son, who is a bit older, attended a German school. The German education system by far surpasses that in Iowa. This preschool program is a step in the right direction in correcting that deficiency. To cut it, would be to, in effect, cut our children’s education and future. Currently, on the East coast, a number of states are considering opening kindergarten to four-year-olds, rather than forcing children to wait until they are five. The research shows that helping children develop healthy study habits when younger, help them to develop healthy and productive habits when they are older. This is precisely what this preschool program does, and I am infuriated by the fact that it may be cut for such obscene political posturing.
Joseph Dangerfield, PhD
My son has already attended 2 yrs of preschool and is now in 3rd grade and I have a daughter completing her 2nd year of preschool and will be entering kindergarten this fall. They both have benefited greatly from preschool!!! We cannot end this program. There are plenty of parents out there that cannot afford to send their child to preschool. Each child needs to have a minimum of 1 year before entering kindergarten. Without it, those children will be behind before even entering the building. No wonder why we’ve had to deal with “no child left behin”!!! Please save this program…in turn you will be saving our children!!!
My son has attended two years of preschool which is in question. When he started preschool last year, he barely talked and wasn’t where a 3 year old should be. This is his second year and he is talking, can write his name, knows his alphabet, can count to twenty and so on. If you take away the preschool program, other children like my son will be behind when they start kindergarden. My son will start kindergarden this fall and if it wasn’t for preschool he would not be ready or have the social skills for kindergarden. I have two younger children and if you take away this program you are taking away from their future.
I am a mother of 2 boys, one who attended the 4 year old program this year, and one who will attend next year. With my boys being 16 months apart I was so thankful for the free program for my 4 yr. old so that I was able to send my 3 yr. old this year also. My boys have learned so much from attending preschool and this is coming from a mother who now stays at home but has her degree in Early Childhood Education and has worked in a childcare/Preschool program for over 7 years! It is the greatest feeling when I get my kids from school and the whole ride home they are going on about what they did at school and what they are learning about! Just the other day we were sitting at dinner and my 3 yr old said, “Momma, I know how to spell my name.” And he rattled it off..along with his phone number, address, and brothers name! Kids NEED all the preschool they can get it before heading off to Elementary. they are expected to know so much going in now that without Preschool kids are naturally going to be behind. My 4 yr old is working on reading..I don’t think I did that until like 1st grade when I was in school…everything he is doing in his Preschool class is what we learned when I was in Elementary. Without this grant families wont be able to afford Preschool for their children and I’m sure you will notice in the next few years that kids entering school will be lost and behind. Why set them up for failure so young? Not only is it what they are actually learning its the interaction with other children, following rules set by a teacher, getting on a schedule, ect… I’m sure y9ou know the list could go on! I’m really praying this grant not only makes it another year for my son but many more years for all the other children!
I am a preschool teacher who has taught before and after receiving funds from the Voluntary Preschool Program. I have had parents tell me that they could not send their children to preschool without transportation or they couldn’t afford it. I currently have 13 children enrolled, 8 of which use the transportation provided by the grant. Most of my parents work to make ends meet and could not take off work to volunteer much less get their children to and from preschool daily. We also use the transportation to take our children on field trips that we couldn’t go on if the grant had not paid for it. Grant money has also paid for improvements inside and out. Several of our sites in town got fences so teachers could concentrate on the children’s needs instead of doing a head count every 3 minutes. We replaced worn out furniture and equipment with things that are developmentally appropriate for a four year old. We purchased supplies that we used to hoard. The preschools in town began to work as a team instead of competing for children. We regularly talk and attend professional development together. Most of us could not afford to attend some of the professional developments if we had to pay for it out of pocket and we are better teachers because we attend it. I used to have to watch my supplies such as paint, paper, playdough, and other consumables so that they would last the year. I no longer have to keep them under lock and key or spend money out of my own pocket and I can meet the children’s needs to squeeze, squish, paint, explore, and discover and repeat activies so they can learn social skills, pre-writing skills, problem solving, pre-reading skills, math skills, expanded vocabularies, and a whole lot more. A quality preschool program’s focus is to teach the social skills children need to be successful in life and to meet them acedemically where they are at and take them to the next level. If it weren’t for the grant, our high quality preschool programs wouldn’t be as high of a quality as they should be and some of our children’s future wouldn’t be so bright.
I sit on a daycare board that participates in the voluntary preschool program. I have been on the board for 5+ years and have seen the difference the preschool grant has made in our preschool program. We could never charge enough to cover the costs for the same quality of program, we are now able to offer. The grant allowed for us to pay our qualified teachers a more competitive wage so that we were not always losing them to the school system. Plus they can get the professional development they need to stay updated, which we could not provide without the grant. Next, we are also able to have developmentally appropriate activities, toys and equipment that we could not afford prior to the voluntary preschool program. The developmental needs are continually the focus of the preschool program but are better served with the advantages this program allows. Transportation and the equal availability of preschool to ALL children (just not the children whose parents can afford and schedule)is a considerable benefit to the children, families, our center, our community and our nation’s future. Please consider maintaining the funding needed to further the future of our nation’s children and global competitiveness!
I sit on a daycare board that participates in the voluntary preschool program. I have been on the board for 5+ years and have seen the difference the preschool grant has made in our preschool program. We could never charge enough to cover the costs for the same quality of program, we are now able to offer. The grant allowed for us to pay our qualified teachers a more competitive wage so that we were not always losing them to the school system. Plus they can get the professional development they need to stay updated, which we could not provide without the grant. Next, we are also able to have developmentally appropriate activities, toys and equipment that we could not afford prior to the voluntary preschool program. The developmental needs are continually the focus of the preschool program but are better served with the advantages this program allows. Transportation and the equal availability of preschool to ALL children (just not the children whose parents can afford and schedule)is a considerable benefit to the children, families, our center, our community and our nation’s future. Please consider maintaining the funding needed to further the future of our nation’s youth and global competitiveness!
I am a parent of three childrena and I know I have one in preschool now. It has brought him out of his shell of being shy so much this past year. I also have him in speech class at the school, so going to school and getting to go to speech class with some of his friends has helped him develop so much. I have another child that is learning things at home from him brother who comes home and tells him all about it. Now He is ready for school too and he may not get to go I don’t want to have to tell both of my children that sorry the school isn’t having your class anymore my oldest just started and he happens to be right after the cut off so he has one more year of preschool and my other son wants to start preschool. I don’t want to take it away from them.
I was an educator for 7 years, teaching first grade and saw the affects on children who had preschool versus those who did not. Our country’s education is on a downspiral and I cannot understand why anyone would want to take away funding a wonderful program that boosts an early education. I have 4 children that will all be attending the 4 year preschool within the next 4 years and as a parent,with one income I need free preschool. Cutting funding will lose children and especially those that truely need it. Take a look at our education and help us understand why taking funding away would be benefical to anyone. This money should remain where it is but if taken away should be kept within education.
Our children are our future. I believe in giving each child an opportunity for early childhood education. The pre-school education program works and is established with high standards. We need to continue to fund this program for everyone.
There are already early education programs in place for low income families, such as Headstart & Block Grant childcare assistance. This was one program that ensured preschool was available to middle class families as well. If this funding is repealed, the children of hard working families will be penalized.
With all the concern about the US lagging behind other nations in education and learning, it seems that giving our young children an early start would be advantagous to everyone. Children at that age can absorb information faster than older children. Don’t take away funding for something important.
Keep this funding! Kids are eager to learn at this age, we need to capitalize on that stage of development and promote education as early as we can. What better way to invest in the future of our country than education?
My son deserves an education. I Work and have two children. I need this or my boy doesn’t go.
As the coordinator of State-Wide Voluntary Four-Year-Old Preschool Programming for Dubuque Community Schools, I have seen this funding help many, many children gain access to preschool. I have also seen the “bar of quality” raised in our centers. Our children are enjoying staff with expertise in child-development and developmentally appropriate practices. So much neurological and learning theory research supports early intervention. Our state needs to keep investing in its most-important resource, it’s children. For each dollar spent now, there is a return of SEVEN dollars in money saved in a reduction in the need for special education, a reduction in the number of people accessing social services including the penal system, etc. Children who attend quality early childhood programming have better-paying jobs, are educated at a higher level, are more likely to be homeowners, and even report higher levels of emotional satisfaction throughout their lifetime. How can Iowa afford NOT to fund this critical resource to our children! It is a wonderful investment that we cannot afford to pass by! Please let your legislators know how important this is to the future of our state.
I agree wholeheartedly with the comments posted. It’s great to hear the support from parents and educators about the value of universal preschool. As a consultant to our district’s early childhood and early childhood special education programs, I see the value every day of the high quality programs we have worked hard to put into place. Asking parents to pay on a reasonable, sliding scale fee seems like a compromise I could live with- provided it IS REASONABLE and doesn’t cut off middle-income parents, but the issue of bigger concern to me is the possibility of eliminating the quality standards we now have in place. Republicans argue that preschool has not been shown to have lasting effects- that is blatantly untrue when the preschoolers were attending quality programs with certified, trained teachers. So when arguing to support the program, don’t forget that we don’t want just any preschool program, we want to keep the quality that we have worked hard for.
It will be difficult to maintain or determine if preschools are quality based and results driven under the Governor’s proposal. If we are assessing a few children in multiple sites, we are really assessing the individual students and not the programs.
ALL of Iowa’s children deserve the opportunity to attend preschool. I believe many middle class children will not be given the preschool experience, if a fee is imposed. As a transitional kindergarten teacher, I see how an amazing foundation is built upon the preschool year(s). As a middle class mother, I see the how an additional fee may deter a preschool encounter for a child. I face the positive impact preschool has on children daily, it’s my job. I’ll pay the fee. Do all parents see that impact? If not, do you think they’ll find a place in their budget for the fee? Of course not.
This has helped our family so much! My kids are able to go to school without us having to worry about if we can afford it. I hope everybody is thankful for this opportunity
I cannot believe that this is even a topic for discussion!! As a mother of 3 boys that have all been in a funded preschool program for either one or two years, I know how extremely beneficial preschool is for kids! My kids have all learned so much, but in an environment that is loving, supportive, and individually tailored as needed. To think that Governor Branstad and others want to end this amazing opportunity for so many kids in the coming years is shocking and disturbing. These kids are the future of our state and our country. If we do not give them the educational help and incentives they need, what will be the ’state’ of our state and country then?? These young kids are our future and they ALL deserve the same opportunities.
Here is recent research (valid outcomes) that demonstrates the positive outcomes of preschool. http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/early_years/2011/02/vanderbilt_study_shows_pre-k_academic_gains_for_kids.html
We must impress upon the masses that it is politically dangerous to not support the four year voluntary funding in it’s entirety. Please contact your legislators to let them know that their political future is in jeopardy when/as they vote against families and children in Iowa.
In our new governor’s inauguration address he stated that there “must be a renewed commitment to provide the best education in the world.” He said and Iowa education was once renowned and is now in the middle of the pack.
My question to him and ANY legislator willing to cut ANY preschool programming for ANY preschool student: How are you going to accomplish your goal if you remove their opportunity for education at such a young age?
My son is participating in a preschool program at a local elementary school. I have paid for him to be in a preschool program since the age of two. I understand the importance of creating a thirst for learning at a young age so children can develop perservence and determination to succeed. I have seen him blossom as a result of these programs. My husband and I are middle-class people and determined to provide our child with every opportunity to learn and stretch himself we possibly can. It all starts with a solid educational foundation. It saddens me that this program may potentially be cut because there are many middle-class families that appreciate an affordable preschool since we are already paying for child care. I would like my son’s time to be spent learning and growing intellectually in a wonderful program with trained educators. He has that in our local school district. Vouchers, potential for uncertified teachers in programs and losing sight of the end goal are not going to make our educational system better! Good teachers, a sound curriculum and support from legislators, parents and communities will!
Can someone explain how this will bring Iowa back to the educational forefront again?
Perhaps if our governor were producing all the employment opportunities he promised during his campaign, there would be less of a need for the middle class to seek assistance with preschool…
Education is what my tax dollars should be invested in. These children are a part of our society and we should feel honored to bless them with a strong foundation in their educational journey. We only benefit from having more peole in our lives that are educated. Do you really want a doofus handling your medication in old age? Do you want to see a doctor who had fewer years of education? What about the pilot flying the plane you are on? Education for our youth is a no-brainer. Make the right decsion and support educating our children when they are ready, 4 years old and in preschool.