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For Immediate Release
June 12, 2003

Sen. White Announces Pre-K Education Proposal

Grants would help neediest most; protect parental control over provider, hours.

Harrisburg – Legislation that would provide grants to help pay for pre-kindergarten education programs chosen by Pennsylvania's parents is being introduced by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21). 

Senate Bill 817 would allow parents receiving aid to choose the pre-k provider best for their children, and decide the number of days -- and hours per day -- their children should be enrolled, said White. With limited exceptions, the Rendell plan mandates that parents put their children in full-day, weeklong programs overseen by school districts. 

Unlike the Rendell plan, Senate Bill 817 specifically targets aid to low-income families, whose children are most at risk to struggle academically in later years, said White. The Administration proposal seeks to fund universal coverage, regardless of income.  

"If there are parents who want to put their children in a pre-kindergarten program, they should be allowed to choose the provider and the hours their children will be in the program," said White.  "Paying for full-day, weeklong pre-kindergarten – without regard to the Commonwealth's fiscal situation or the wishes of parents – seems like the wrong thing to do at this time."

Grant recipients whose household income is at or below 155 percent of the federal poverty guidelines would be eligible for 100 percent of the grant amount.  Grant recipients with higher household incomes would receive aid based on a sliding scale.

Eligible programs would have to meet existing health, safety, staff and curriculum requirements. A public school district or a charter school is eligible to establish a pre-school program and establish a reasonable charge.

White said the governor's plan threatens proven, existing pre-k providers, putting many private sector preschool jobs at risk in favor of the creation of new programs run by school districts.

"There are many excellent pre-school options available right now for parents interested in sending their children to a pre-school program.  These programs are operated by various providers including private schools, YMCAs and churches," said White. "Most offer both part-time and full-time options.  I believe if the General Assembly decides to spend money on pre-school programs, we should not limit parental choice."

Similar legislation – House Bill 1532, sponsored by state Rep. Elinor Z. Taylor (R-156) -- has been introduced in the House of Representatives.