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Most state-funded preschools are targeted at low-income families. North Carolina is no different.
Wait, what are state-funded preschools? I know there are programs that offer financial assistance, but haven't heard of strictly state-funded preschools? Why would such a thing exist?
Well....the school systems in NC in general aren't that great on a national level; apparently Michigan's is a little better (before anyone here jumps down my throat saying wake county is way above average for the state of NC take a pill; that's not the point I'm trying to make). The school system in the area of Michigan you live may be better performing and better organized than WCPSS. You can't expect EVERYTHING in a new place you want to move to be better than EVERYTHING in the area you are leaving behind; otherwise you'll always be disappointed (not singling you out this is in general). Some things are just going to be better in the area you left than the area you are moving to.
Wait, what are state-funded preschools? I know there are programs that offer financial assistance, but haven't heard of strictly state-funded preschools? Why would such a thing exist?
By state-funded preschool, I mean a preschool that is funded largely by taxpayers. Perhaps I am mistaken, but I thought that was what you meant by "public preschools."
So...let me get this straight...parents who want to send their kids to preschool must basically fork out the $$ and then their children have an academic advantage over parents who cannot afford preschool for their children?
I know this is complaining, particularly when it is our choice to move there, but unless I'm misunderstanding something, that's a shame...
My daughter never attended preschool.
Started kindergarten at 4 years old and never looked back.
While preschool is "nice" it certainly isn't a prerequisite for gaining an academic edge.
She gained socialization skills at our neighborhood playground, pool and from playdates with other preschoolers.
I taught her the A-B-C's... how to use scissors..counting... taught her to sort (we had a ball sorting socks together)... etc. etc. etc. So much more but its been a long time.............
She didn't learn to read until first grade - HORRORS !
She's now in high school and a pretty darn good student... and all around nice person.
All without a day of preschool !
Last edited by weluvwakeforest; 01-06-2009 at 02:09 PM..
You also have to realize that all day KG in Wake County is what is supposed to prepare them for 1st grade. In my experience as a mom who has volunteered a significant amount of time in WCPSS KG and 1st grade classes, kids enter KG at so many different levels. Some can already read and write, some cannot and some don't even know the alphabet or basic shapes and colors. All day KG is intended to get all of those kids on even ground before 1st grade, which is the first year schooling is required in NC.
So while preschool is great for some things (socialization, learning to sit in a circle, stand in line wait your turn, use scissors and glue sticks) it does not necessarily give kids a long term academic edge. Pretty much everything academic my kids knew in KG was taught by me and preschool was just a fun way to explore new things and add enrichment. Preschool may give them an edge in KG, but by and large, most kids are on similiar ground when it comes to the basics by first grade.
And another poster right, there is a More at 4 program (state run) targeted towards specific groups such as low income, limited English and developmental disabilities. http://ncchildcare.dhhs.state.nc.us/...re_at_four.pdf
The two towns I lived in MA had public intergrated preschools (like Headstart I guess). There was a lottery to get into the class if you didn't qualify for Early Intervention services. So when I came from MA I wasn't really expecting public preschool options in NC.
Another question. How does a 3 or 4 year old get diagnosed as needing an IEP when the staff at private preschools are not required to have special education staff in-house to help diagnose children who might require the IEP?
You can have younger children evaluated through Project Enlightenment (any child, though there is a wait).
Project Enlightenment does also support a few preschools, but they focus on special needs children. I know a child with autism who is in a tuition-free preschool through Project Enlightenment. However, the slots are very limited and they don't heavily promote the program. Demonstration Classrooms - Project Enlightenment
Project Enlightenment does also support a few preschools, but they focus on special needs children. I know a child with autism who is in a tuition-free preschool through Project Enlightenment. However, the slots are very limited and they don't heavily promote the program. Demonstration Classrooms - Project Enlightenment
Thank you for this info. Do you know if Project Enlightenment is the only way a child is "serviced" through WCPSS if he or she has an IEP? I ask this based on the federal mandate to serve children with an existing IEP. I don't see how there can be a waitlist with that mandate.
However, I did just notice that their hours of operation are 1.5 hours per day for a whopping 7.5 hours of operation per week. I certainly hope this is not meant to service all of Wake County's preschool/KG children with special education needs.
Last edited by shoes4birds; 01-06-2009 at 04:55 PM..
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