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In Early Childhood Education
When elementary school principals receive school budgets on Monday, many will find out that their Preschool for All programs will close at the end of the current school year.
“If you don’t have 93 percent of students on free and reduced lunch, and you don’t have a large proportion of English Language Learners, the probability is that you’re closed,” says Barbara Bowman, head of the CPS Office of Early Childhood Education.
At this morning’s School Board meeting, Bowman and others received a foretaste of the parent outrage that is likely on its way.
Numerous parents and community members turned up to protest the planned closure of a preschool program at Barbara Vick Early Childhood and Family Center, known for integrating special education students (almost 42 percent of those it serves) into classrooms with other students. Because of its high number of special-needs students, the school was notified in advance of other programs.
Matthew O’Shea, an assistant to 19th Ward Alderman Ginger Rugai, acknowledged that many families served by the school – where about 25 percent of students are low-income, compared to 86 percent districtwide – could afford other options.
But “preschool at Barbara Vick is the only time many of these families will be part of the public school system,” O’Shea argued. “If parents are willing to subsidize the rest of their children’s education, it is unfair to pull the only benefit they receive from CPS.”
Although the district is prioritizing the poorest neighborhoods with its preschool cuts, the 93 percent free and reduced lunch cutoff indicates that high-need schools will likely lose their preschool programs, as well. Popular magnet schools, which often draw a more affluent student body and have long preschool waiting lists, may also be at risk of losing their programs.
Altogether, Preschool for All serves about 14,000 students in the district’s elementary schools, and more in classrooms at community-based organizations. It is not clear how many seats will be gone in the fall. The proposed district budget for next year includes $34 million in cuts to the Office of Early Childhood Education, about 30 percent of its current budget.
Preschool programs across the state are already reeling from a 10 percent cut that took effect at the start of this school year. While CPS used discretionary funds to make up the money, it wasn’t enough to keep up with rising costs. About 1,200 Preschool for All seats were lost.
This year, the district used federal dollars to convert the lost Preschool for All classes into Head Start sites. But re-using that solution seems unlikely. The proposed federal budget for fiscal year 2011 cuts Head Start and Early Head Start by more than a billion dollars compared to fiscal year 2010 levels (which were boosted by stimulus funds).
An uncertain state funding situation is adding to the problem. Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has called for over $54 million in early childhood education cuts – a 16 percent cut over this year’s levels, and a 24 percent cut over fiscal year 2009 funding – if legislators do not sign off on a tax increase.
High-demand schools that could lose their Preschool for All programs
The following schools had some of the longest waiting lists in the city as of Dec. 31, 2009. But because fewer than 93 percent of their students receive free or reduced-price lunches, they could be at risk of losing their programs.
Schools with more English learners than the districtwide average are indicated with an asterisk. CPS may keep programs with the most ELLs open, but it is not clear what the district’s cutoff will be.
Kozminski Elementary
Pershing East Elementary
Ebinger Elementary
Oriole Park Elementary
Murray Elementary Language Academy
Disney II Magnet Elementary
Pritzker Elementary
Irving Elementary
Lovett Elementary
Beard Elementary
Hale Elementary
Beaubien Elementary
Kinzie Elementary
Prescott Elementary
LaSalle II Magnet School*
Farnsworth Elementary*
Belmont-Cragin*
Clay Elementary*
Gunsaulus Elementary*
Peirce International Studies Elementary*
Gray Elementary*
Clinton Elementary*
Boone Elementary*
NOTES: For this analysis, Catalyst Chicago examined a list of roughly 35 schools that had the longest Preschool for All waiting lists in the district (at least 25 students) at the end of 2009.
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Wed Mar 24, 2010 at 6:35 PM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
harsh as this sounds for a decade, this program took in children from families who could clearly afford to pay for preschool. I tis the same with some of theother schools onthis list that are not even near a poverty area. Other parents have had to pay tuition for prek programs for years, but clout gets favors for aldermen and free prek for parents who could afford to pay for it was a big vote sell.
Wed Mar 24, 2010 at 6:37 PM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
whi hads the director/principal NEVER had to move into Chicago? Please don't say she was hired BEFORE the rule, since when she was hired, whe was to move into the city, just like any other teacher for CPS. Funny, another example of clout and who you know.
Wed Mar 24, 2010 at 6:45 PM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
is your choice parents! Don't cry now, when you are so fortunate to have excellent elementary public schools in your neighborhood to send your children to. You want a benefit from your education tax $, send your kids to the golden public schools you have. You Vick free pass is closed.
Wed Mar 24, 2010 at 6:49 PM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
There is money (and vorte) in not speaking English!
Wed Mar 24, 2010 at 7:55 PM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
Shame on you for assuming that those who pay the highest taxes need to foot the bill for those who WON'T look for work!!!! Unfortunatley our taxes never seem to come close to our schools, so we, and I am referring to our children, have the over crowded classrooms, the old crumbling building and lack of staff. But, we also have the 99% attendance rate, the outstanding grades and the parents who show up to school functions to support their children and their school. I guess money CAN'T buy everything!! How dare you say OUR FREE RIDE is over!!!
I pride myself in the fact that my husband works multiple jobs, as do I, so that we can live where we live, and it isn't high class by any means. Pre-k was a way
I pride myself in the fact that my husband works multiple jobs, as do I, so that we can live where we live, and it isn't high class by any means. Pre-k was a way
Wed Mar 24, 2010 at 8:38 PM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
You don't need free preschool and continued red tape in keeping free preschool programs.
Apply for ACTION for Children. http://www.actforchildren.org/
It is a state subsidized program. You pick the childcare program that YOU want, and the state helps pay for it.
Apply for ACTION for Children. http://www.actforchildren.org/
It is a state subsidized program. You pick the childcare program that YOU want, and the state helps pay for it.
Wed Mar 24, 2010 at 10:04 PM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
IL can no longer afford to provide a free ride for parents who could otherwise afford pre-k, but the 93% cutoff is really arbitrary. The school where l work is 88% low income...Isn't that still a huge percentage of kids at risk for trouble later in their lives? The research on pre-K benefits is extensive and convinceing. Investing now, in the early years, reduces the likelihood of a lot of later social problems such as gang affiliation, poverty, incarceration, etc. That's why we need to focus on low income neighborhoods---because that's where the greatest payoff for society will be.
Thu Mar 25, 2010 at 12:27 AM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
Why isn't Blaine School losing theirs.
Thu Mar 25, 2010 at 1:06 AM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
When Barbara Bowman first took over Early Childhood she began to dismantle the Early Childhood Programs. First she got rid of the nurses and social workers. She said "if the children have health issues send them to their pediatrician". Then she got rid of most of the full day programs which really benefited parents who were trying to work. Next, she took naps away from the remaining full day programs. She said "the children need more instructional time". She then removed the snacks.
Now, she is supposed to be the Early Childhood expert but every knows that children between 3-5 need naps, eat every 2 hours, don't learn to read yet.
Now only non-english speaking students will have Pre-school. Many of which are probably illegal immigrants). Our Englis speaking children need pre-k too.
I think it is time to get rid of Barbara Bowman
Now, she is supposed to be the Early Childhood expert but every knows that children between 3-5 need naps, eat every 2 hours, don't learn to read yet.
Now only non-english speaking students will have Pre-school. Many of which are probably illegal immigrants). Our Englis speaking children need pre-k too.
I think it is time to get rid of Barbara Bowman
Thu Mar 25, 2010 at 7:01 AM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
Stock school on the northwest side is closing.
Thu Mar 25, 2010 at 7:38 AM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
Regarding Blaine: The list given merely lists the ones with the longest waiting lists. Blaine's program will be cut along with all the others. The only way to keep it open will be if parents pay out of pocket (between 4-5K a year for half day preschool).
Parents are fools if they really have been thinking the free program was going to stay. Anyone looking at the budget knows that cuts have to be made and it makes the most sense to cut a free program for kids whose families can, for the most part, afford some kind of private preschool or who can essentially provide preschool at home through enrichment, babysitters or park district programs.
This cut is a no brainer.
Parents are fools if they really have been thinking the free program was going to stay. Anyone looking at the budget knows that cuts have to be made and it makes the most sense to cut a free program for kids whose families can, for the most part, afford some kind of private preschool or who can essentially provide preschool at home through enrichment, babysitters or park district programs.
This cut is a no brainer.
Thu Mar 25, 2010 at 10:25 AM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
Stop saying "free preschool"!!! These people who send their kids to these schools pay huge property taxes. Also, many send their kids to private schools afterward. This is the one thing they get from the city.
Make sure non-taxpayers get more breaks.
Make sure non-taxpayers get more breaks.
Thu Mar 25, 2010 at 12:09 PM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
As a CPS parent in a wealthy district with a good neighborhood school, I was often shocked at the people I knew taking pride in somehow getting free preschool (NOT tuition-based). I think those services are quite necessary, but as a "headstart" kind of program. They should go to the most in NEED. I'm sorry, but using free preschool then going to a private school is GETTING a lot more than giving. CPS parents pay quite a lot to go to "free" schools. But we see it as investing in our communities.
HOWEVER, I will say that the introduction of tuition-based pre-school in some neighborhood schools has done a lot to make parents less nervous about public schools in general, and that is a very good thing. I would hate to see that disappear. I actually don't understand paying that much for preschool for just the school year (ours is private, wonderful, and TONS less expensive). Yet, I cannot say that TBPK hasn't done a great deal to help people see the good in CPS.
Can these popular schools be entirely tuition-based with "scholarships" from those tuitions going toward those who truly cannot afford preschool? I'd love to see more people entrust their preschoolers to CPS and then realize that CPS can actually be a good place to be.
I guess CPS might consider the investment to be in marketing!
HOWEVER, I will say that the introduction of tuition-based pre-school in some neighborhood schools has done a lot to make parents less nervous about public schools in general, and that is a very good thing. I would hate to see that disappear. I actually don't understand paying that much for preschool for just the school year (ours is private, wonderful, and TONS less expensive). Yet, I cannot say that TBPK hasn't done a great deal to help people see the good in CPS.
Can these popular schools be entirely tuition-based with "scholarships" from those tuitions going toward those who truly cannot afford preschool? I'd love to see more people entrust their preschoolers to CPS and then realize that CPS can actually be a good place to be.
I guess CPS might consider the investment to be in marketing!
Thu Mar 25, 2010 at 12:37 PM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
Just because a child does not speak English, does not mean, he/she is not a U.S. citizen with equal rights as any other child. They have the right to free public education as any other child. I believe that all children should have access to free preschool education, it should be their right regardless of socio-economic status.
Thu Mar 25, 2010 at 4:17 PM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
We will see the ramifications of this a few years from now. Early Childhood Education is the only way to ensure our future. What is wrong with people? Education should be a right not a priviledge. We all benefit from educated people!! We don't live in a third world! This is the United States of America. All children should be able to learn in the most formative years ages 3-5!!!!! This is an investment for OUR FUTURE!
Thu Mar 25, 2010 at 5:35 PM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
Action for Children is designed so that parents can select a school that is most suited to their child's needs. You apply, they look at your application, then say what they think you should be able to afford (I know a family that pays $15 a month for their 3 children because both parents are in grad school to be doctors). It is based off of your income and expenses.
Yes, private preschools (church preschools, Montessori schools, chain preschools like Kindercare, etc.) charge a tuition. HOWEVER, that tuition is by far cheaper than what the State (or city/district) would have to pay for "free" preschool. Someone else has to deal with building maintenance, employment, the curriculum, etc. and the PARENTS get to decide who that "someone" is!!
Yes, private preschools (church preschools, Montessori schools, chain preschools like Kindercare, etc.) charge a tuition. HOWEVER, that tuition is by far cheaper than what the State (or city/district) would have to pay for "free" preschool. Someone else has to deal with building maintenance, employment, the curriculum, etc. and the PARENTS get to decide who that "someone" is!!
Thu Mar 25, 2010 at 7:39 PM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
This is ridiculous!! Where are working citizens tax money going? I don't have a child in pre-K, but feel as a lot do that these kids needs to be in school. Not being in pre-school will be most hard on the child & teacher going to Kindergarten. Thank God they are not taking that away.
Fri Mar 26, 2010 at 4:02 PM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
What will happen to special education students that go to these preschools? My special needs child is in one of the schools on this list?
Fri Mar 26, 2010 at 6:35 PM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
Jill,
right now they are saying that special needs kids will be transferred to a school with the high poverty upper limit of 93% or more. But I also would guess that would depend on how they determine if a child is special needs. I can't imagine the district offering priority spots to a child who only needs speech therapy once a week. I can see them offering a priority spot at a high poverty school if they are autistic, have severe physical limitations, etc....
right now they are saying that special needs kids will be transferred to a school with the high poverty upper limit of 93% or more. But I also would guess that would depend on how they determine if a child is special needs. I can't imagine the district offering priority spots to a child who only needs speech therapy once a week. I can see them offering a priority spot at a high poverty school if they are autistic, have severe physical limitations, etc....
Sat Mar 27, 2010 at 8:11 AM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
Chicago Teacher,
Been there, done that. But what about the quality of education? My kid started preschool last year, and the only spot available was in one of the high-poverty schools. She liked going there, but hasn't learned a thing. Then this year, she was transferred to a better school, and it made a world of difference. She is starting to speak, understand basic things like yes and no, big and small, etc. And now it sounds like they are going to send her back to a place where she will get her nose wiped and entertained a little, and nothing more. Are they out of their minds?
Been there, done that. But what about the quality of education? My kid started preschool last year, and the only spot available was in one of the high-poverty schools. She liked going there, but hasn't learned a thing. Then this year, she was transferred to a better school, and it made a world of difference. She is starting to speak, understand basic things like yes and no, big and small, etc. And now it sounds like they are going to send her back to a place where she will get her nose wiped and entertained a little, and nothing more. Are they out of their minds?
Mon Mar 29, 2010 at 9:00 AM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
Have anyone heard anything yet about the budgets sent to principals for 2011?
Mon Mar 29, 2010 at 5:34 PM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
Regarding budgets and preschool closings: since the pension changes are in process, the budget forecast is better than it was, so principals won't get their budgets at least for another week or two.
I am going to guess that due to this, maybe half of all preschool for all programs (in the wealthiest areas) will close, and the rest will remain open until sometime between now and September when they can better determine what funding will be.
If it were me, I'd definitely have a private school preschool back up just in case.
I am going to guess that due to this, maybe half of all preschool for all programs (in the wealthiest areas) will close, and the rest will remain open until sometime between now and September when they can better determine what funding will be.
If it were me, I'd definitely have a private school preschool back up just in case.
Tue Mar 30, 2010 at 2:54 PM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
This is why I quit my job with CPS, moved to the suburbs and put my kids in suburban school districts where they could actually get an education without all of the CPS bs and politics.
Not to put down any teacher working for the system, but the education that children receive in CPS is worthless all they care about is padding their own pockets and agendas.
Not to put down any teacher working for the system, but the education that children receive in CPS is worthless all they care about is padding their own pockets and agendas.
Tue Mar 30, 2010 at 5:09 PM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
pad our our own pockets? hey i am a teacher at cps..i am not perfect but i do work very hard and i spend my own money! i too also need to raise a family....am i supposed to make 25k a year?
i dont know if that is what you meant..but my pockets are pretty empty until the next paycheck...
i dont know if that is what you meant..but my pockets are pretty empty until the next paycheck...
Wed Apr 7, 2010 at 5:52 PM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
Are these fully funded headstart programs that are closing. Bowman is on this personal click kick and keeps programs that includes her friends a job. Get rid of head teachers and CPC's. How do you turn a program pre-k for all one year and the next something else, JUST to SAVE IT!!!
Fri Apr 9, 2010 at 8:34 AM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
Did these notifications go out yet? Anyone have a list of schools?
Sat Apr 10, 2010 at 2:48 PM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
nothing has went out yet...waiting on the budgets to be sent to the schools, then we should know.
Wed Apr 14, 2010 at 8:57 AM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
What are they going to do with the classroom furniture? I have a daycare and could use some of the equipment. My daughter went to a cps pre-school and it was the foundation of her education. She went from Pre-K through 8th grade at the same school and graduated Salutatorian of her 8th grade class. Pre-K is very important to all children. It teaches them, first of all, how to socialize outside of the home with other children. I am very sorry to see Pre-K go away.
Thu Apr 29, 2010 at 6:57 AM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
PFA IS SAVED
Thu Apr 29, 2010 at 6:59 AM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
For now. They are still waiting on some funding.
Thu Apr 29, 2010 at 7:26 PM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
that's not true at all. PFA funding has fully been restored, letters have went out from those that head the department.
Thu Apr 29, 2010 at 8:36 PM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
As I understood it, PFA was restored, but 50 pfa's could still be closed if the state doesn't come through with some other funding. Unless I misunderstood the information.
Thu Apr 29, 2010 at 10:19 PM
Bowman: CPS will notify principals of preschool closures on Monday
PFA funding has been restored. We received letters on Monday that informed us of that.
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