Branstad announces preschool changes, educators dig-in

Former Governor Culver and legislative Democrats started universal preschool four years ago. It offers preschool to every four year-old in the state through school districts. Governor Terry Branstad calls that plan unfair.

“The problem we've got now is a lot of private preschools have felt that the other program has been putting them out of business. This is designed to give people freedom of choice,” said Governor Terry Branstad.

Monday, Branstad unveiled his plan, targeting low-income families making up to three-times the federal poverty level. That's $67,000 a year for a family of four. Each four-year-old's family gets $3,000 for any preschool, public or private. However, each family pays a fee … from three dollars a month for the poorest families to $133 a month for the wealthier ones. The other big difference is the cost. Branstad's plan costs taxpayers $43 million, while universal preschool costs $90 million. Early childhood education advocates point out some major changes in Branstad's plan involving funding, time in the classroom, and even the qualification of teachers. Critics argue the result will be detrimental to students.

“We're spending the least amount on children when their brains are growing the most,” said Linn County Child Development Center Chris Carman.

Governor Terry Branstad's proposed plan could shut down preschools that sprang up at local elementary schools. Because the money won't go to districts anymore- it will follow the child, like a voucher.

“Certainly less supplies and less field trips would be something programs look at,” said Carman.

Instead of free voluntary four year old preschool, most families would have to pay on a sliding scale.

“If our program fills-up pretty quickly than we will know if the program will work and is doable for families,” said Cedar Rapids School District Early Childhood Coordinator Monica Frey.

With less money flowing to districts, those public preschools that do stay open might have to slash hours. The Linn County Child Development Center is open from 6:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.- hours most of their families need.

“Without a full day option they probably wouldn't be able to have their kids participate,” said Carman.

And the plan changes teacher certification rules. They no longer need certification in an age group or a four-year degree.

“So much of what a child learn and experiences is determined by the educational background of the teacher,” said Carman.

This preschool will have to adjust to the reduced financing. But won't change the quality of care it provides.

“We'll take a look at what we currently have in place and see how was can better provide for our families,” said Frey.

The Cedar Rapids School district will still hold its annual preschool registration on March fourth. This year the income verification program will be more important than ever.