In regards to the article published on April 19 of Gov. Dayton’s universal pre-K proposal:

Since the beginning of 2015 education has been up for debate in the state Legislature and the specific focus is on universal preschool for all 4-year-olds in Minnesota. I have worked in childcare, specifically in a Montessori school, which I believe provides some of the best kindergarten readiness programs, but if a universal preschool program is implemented families will choose the free option as we are a society of spending the least to get the most.

Dayton’s focus is on bridging the gap in the education system and he believes he can do this by using universal preschool starting at the age of 4. Can kindergarten readiness be completed in only one year’s time? The focus should be on increasing the amount of dollars the state spends on scholarships to provide those in need with adequate kindergarten readiness rather than focusing on all 4-year-olds, some of which do not need assistance from state dollars. The tax surplus should be given to families in need of providing preschool to their children in order for them to be ready for kindergarten.

Other financial aspects Dayton has failed to address is what will happen to all of the displaced workers from current facilities that are providing preschool to 4-year-olds? Even if they go to work for the public schools that are providing universal preschool, how does Dayton plan to meet their current incomes so they can provide for their own families?

 

Kaitlin Prusinski

Chanhassen