KXAN
AUSTIN, TEXAS — This upcoming school year there are more options for parents when it comes to pre-kindergarten classes.
The Austin Independent School District expanded pre-k for an additional 450 students. For the first time, this year school districts across the state can take advantage of a new grant program to help fund pre-k.
During the 2015 legislative session lawmakers passed House Bill 4. It allots $118 million in grants to fund classes for the 2016-2017 school years.
Tuesday, the Senate Education Committee will examine if more initiatives can be created to build on the grant program. Right now the rules to receive a grant require the district or charter school to meet certain curriculum standards, teacher qualifications, academic performance, and family engagement.
The program was created in response to studies that show kids who attend pre-k do better in school over the long haul. The Texas Association of Business says it sets the stage for better, more qualified workers 20 years down the line.
“Everything is building on everything else,” says Bill Hammond, CEO, Texas Association of Business. “If a kid shows up at kindergarten and they are not ready to go they are going to be seriously disadvantaged. The first thing that’s going to happen is their experience is not going to be good.”
Some Tea Party conservatives have opposed this bill saying pre-k is enhanced daycare.
Read the Texas Association of Business statement on their pre-k position.