Re: Public Pre-school

From: Loretta Cak
Email: lorettastamps@yahoo.com
Date: February 15, 2006

Comments

*I am also a student working on my ECA through NL. :) I am also a Pre-K teacher in Georgia (a part of the lottery funded program).

Hey Kenny and Bobby,

I know that we've talked about this in varying degrees before, but I thought that I could shed a bit more light on the funding aspect of the GA Pre-K program. If you want more information, visit the GA Pre-K website (www.decal.state.ga.us).

You were questioning what would happen to the profit for the centers if a state funded program were adopted. In GA, the funding is based on the number of children in a classroom, teacher credentials, and zone (area of Georgia). The minimum class size is 18; the max is 20. In order to receive full funding, a classroom must enroll 20 students. School is in session for 180 days, which translates to 36 weeks. Funding for a fully enrolled classroom with a certified teacher is $3325.32 per child. That translates to $92.37 per week. Now, before you freak out.... That is ONLY for the 7 hours of the school day. Centers are allowed to charge before/after school care, summer care, holiday care....etc. Funding covers only the school day. And, since Pre-K is free, then many centers providing before/afterschool care are able to charge just a bit more than they normally would for such a service (because parents have NO other costs for that child). Most child care centers here do better with the funding than they ever would have without. They can hire more qualified teachers, buy appropriate equipment, provide excellent training, etc.

Obviously, the cost of living, etc is much higher in Illinois than Georgia. But, I would trust that if they really work, they can come up with a workable formula for your state as well. :)

Loretta :)