Preschool programs feel kindergarten squeeze
More parents opt for 'free' classes for 4-year-olds

Patti Zarling @ Green Bay Press-Gazette:

Kindergarten classes for 4-year-olds through a few area public school systems haven't started yet, but some local private preschools already are losing students.

Two local programs are ending or on the verge of it, saying they can't afford to maintain preschools, partly because of the launch of public 4-year-old kindergarten.

A few area school districts, including Ashwaubenon, Green Bay and West De Pere, are starting 4-year-old kindergarten programs this fall.

Advocates say the programs provide education and school-preparation to students regardless of family income. But critics liken the programs to free babysitting and worry that districts will dumb down curriculum.

Green Bay has more than 800 children enrolled so far in its 4-year-old kindergarten program for 2008-2009; Ashwaubenon has more than 100 and West De Pere has 178. State rules require districts to partner with private day cares to receive state grants for the programs.

Recently arrived Madison Superintendent Dan Nerad spent most of his career in the Green Bay Schools.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at August 18, 2008 11:01 AM
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