Public Reacts to D.C. Pre-K Expansion Bill|NewsChannel 8

text size: A | A | A

Public Reacts to D.C. Pre-K Expansion Bill

posted 6:27 pm Thu January 03, 2008 - Washington

tags: pre-kindergarten • pre k • school • bill

Please Upgrade To Flash!

NewsChannel 8 - Public Reacts to D.C. Pre-K Expansion Bill

There was a generally warm reception during a public hearing for Council Chair Vincent Gray's pre-kindergarten expansion bill. Introduced in December, the bill would establish 125 more pre-k classrooms over five years and limit class size to 16 kids.

Parent Jamia Eaton came to show her support saying a quality pre-k program is really helping her four-year-old. "We've just seem her excel with her writing. She's excited about learning."

"It really is taking the best practices, what research has told us, what children need, academically, physically, socially, language, and it's incorporating all of that," said pre-k teacher Marissa Castro Mikoy.

Currently, around 2,000 kids in the district don't have access to pre-k programs at all and many of the existing programs need improving.

"80% of programs in the District of Columbia do not meet standards for quality. What this legislation does is increase the number of programs."

The program will cost an estimated $48 million over six years, coming at a time when the district is strapped for cash and considering closing schools. Regardless, Eaton wants it passed. "I think it's a great opportunity for middle or low income families to get their kids in pre-k and get them ready for kindergarten."

While several of the council members support the bill, some are calling for changes and of course, the big question is how to pay for it. Supporters hope to have the measure approved by April.

You need to be a registered member of
NewsChannel 8 to leave comments on news stories.

Not a member yet? Click Here to sign up.

Please leave your comments below:

Messages that harass, abuse or threaten other members; have obscene or otherwise objectionable content; have spam, commercial or advertising content or inappropriate links may be removed and may result in the loss of your posting privileges. Please do not post any private information unless you want it to be available publicly. Never assume that you are completely anonymous and cannot be identified by your posts.

The 'RUNNING MAN' icon is a registered trademark of America Online, Inc.