TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

State's Voluntary Pre-K Programs Vary Wildly

ADVERTISEMENT

By MARILYN BROWN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 1, 2008

Florida's voluntary prekindergarten program begins its fourth year in 2008-09. It operates as a taxpayer-funded voucher program for 4-year-olds and is mostly in private and faith-based schools.

Key Points:

It may be a partial- or full-day program, depending on how many weeks are included.

During the summer, the program is also provided in public schools.

Few requirements or oversight for providers mean vast differences in quality of programs, so parents must make informed choices.

Providers apply to be part of the program and, if accepted, are placed on the state's approved list. They may apply at any time during the year.

At least one teacher must be provided for every 10 students with a minimum of four and a maximum of 18 children in a class.

At least one teacher per class must have a Child Development Associate credential or other appropriate certificate and complete a 5-hour emerging literacy training course.

Teachers are not required to have college degrees. The summer program in public schools does require state-certified teachers, however.

The state pays for 540 hours of pre-k during the regular school year and 300 hours during the summer. Families may use the hours any way providers will accept. Example: A family may opt for a three-hour morning or afternoon program during the full school year or choose a six-hour day during half the year.

Families may pay for additional child care hours if offered at the school. In the summer, children may attend up to 10 hours a day, although they don't have to.

To Enroll:

A child must be 4 on or before Sept. 1 and reside in Florida.

Parents may obtain a certificate of eligibility from the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County. They need proof of residency, such as a utility bill or bank statement, and official documentation verifying the child's age. For informationgo to www.elchc.org.

Choosing A Preschool:

Find an approved preschool from the state list, which also links to inspection records, covering health and safety issues only. Go to www.myflorida.com/childcare. Click on "provider search."

Parents are encouraged to visit facilities they are considering, ask questions and monitor what is happening at the school. Many parents choose preschools based on convenience, but studies show that students benefit socially, emotionally and academically from a high-quality program.

To check the standards set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, visit www.naeyc.org.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT