Greene County school superintendent is still looking at numbers for preschool next year, but he said at the board’s special meeting April 30 he will probably recommend the school operate a tuition-based 3-year-old preschool next year.
The Greene County Early Learning Center announced in March that it would not continue the Pied Pipers preschool next year so that it could better serve increasing childcare needs. The school put out a call for parents of potential students in a 3-year-old preschool to indicate their interest in the program.
The school has operated a 4-year-old program since the state preschool funding began a few years ago. Nearly all Greene County kindergartners attend preschool before officially “starting school.” The 4-year-old program combines those who qualify for Head Start and those who don’t.
Christensen said that there are 82 students signed up for the 4-year-old classes and parents of 42 3-year-olds have indicated an interest in a tuition program. He said he is “leaning toward” suggesting three classrooms of 4-year-old preschool (half day sessions for those not in Head Start, and full day for Head Start children), and also a 3-year-old program. The program for younger students would provide a full day of preschool two days a week for those who qualify for Head Start, and a half day two days a week for those who don’t.
He said the tuition would not cover all costs of the program. “I have concerns about that…. but I’m also thinking about whether spending the money on a 3-year-old program will save us money later on,” Christensen said.
Preschool will be on the agenda for the board’s May 14 meeting.
