Hope for preschool compromise

By The Gazette Editorial Board

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Gov. Terry Branstad stepped into the middle of the legislative debate over state-funded preschool last week. We're hopeful his $43 million preschool proposal will pull divided Republicans and Democrats toward compromise.

Branstad would transform Iowa's current $71 million program, which provides free, voluntary preschool to 4-year-olds, into a scholarship program for low to lower middle-income preschoolers. The governor would provide $3,000 scholarships to eligible students with family incomes up to 300 percent of the federal poverty standard, or $67,000 for a family of four. The scholarships would cover 10 hours of weekly instruction at public or private preschools.

All families would pay something for preschool, from $3 monthly at the lowest income level up to $133. Families with incomes beyond 300 percent would pay full price.

Branstad would drop the current program's requirement that classes be taught by certified teachers, but the Board of Educational Examiners would be charged with developing a new early education certificate. Teachers under Branstad's program would be required to earn that certificate from an accredited college or university in addition to a bachelor's degree. Instructors with a two-year degree would be given time to earn the certificate and B.A.

The governor's plan would keep rigorous standards that govern the current program, and would require preschools to conduct assessments and report results to parents and policymakers.

Branstad made it clear that his administration believes preschool is a critical educational ingredient, and that the state has a role in making sure children have access to quality programs. We agree, and give Branstad credit for moving considerably toward the center on this issue. As a candidate for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, Branstad suggested that the state's effort to expand preschool access was a mistake.

That's where many in his party remain. The GOP majority in the Iowa House approved legislation last month that would eliminate all state funding for preschool. That would be a mistake.

Democrats who run the Senate panned Branstad's plan, insisting that the current program be left unaltered and fully funded. But that ignores the fact that Branstad's election has changed the political landscape that existed when the current program was approved.

Branstad's proposal gives us hope for a compromise, a deal that sustains high standards and broad access while also providing taxpayer savings and more choice for parents. We think Branstad's proposal moves us closer to such an agreement, and we call on lawmakers to join the governor in the center.

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