Hundreds of Ventura County children may lose out on preschool next year because of deep cuts proposed in the state budget, local officials said Tuesday.
An estimated 570 4-year-olds in part-day programs may not get a chance to go to preschool to help prepare them for kindergarten, said Rachel Champagne, a member of a local board set up to plan for early education needs and a director at a local state-subsidized child care agency. That's nearly half the number of spots available this year.
In addition, an estimated 230 spots, or 30 percent, could be lost for 3- to 5-year-olds in full-day programs, available for low-income working parents, she said.
"It's really heartbreaking — the impact that it's going to make on children," said Jennifer Escamilla, a site supervisor at a child care center in the Hueneme area.
Scores of preschool and child care providers, advocates and others met Tuesday in the Ventura County Office of Education conference center in Camarillo, listening to information about proposed cuts in the governor's budget. The event was organized by the Local Planning Council of Ventura County, which identifies needs for early education locally and helps plan for how to meet them.
Gov. Jerry Brown released his 2012-13 budget proposal last month, including millions of dollars in cuts for preschool and child care programs in the state.
The plan proposes a $500 million cut, which officials say would mean 62,000 fewer spaces for children. That's on top of several years of other cuts to the programs.
Plans also call for realigning administration of the programs in 2013-14, moving oversight of most from the state Education Department to county social service agencies.
With these changes, the governor's plan says it is focusing its limited funding on low-income working families.
County officials Tuesday said they are concerned quality standards that have taken years to develop may be lost. They worry preschool will become more like baby-sitting and less about preparing children for school.
Consistency also could be lost with the move to county oversight of programs, said Champagne, a member of the planning council and a panelist Tuesday.
Proposed changes include narrowing access by lowering parents' income eligibility requirements and increasing the hours they must be working to qualify, local officials said. That means parents going to college and those not receiving cash aid from the state may have a difficult time qualifying for the benefit.
Reimbursement rates for providers also will be cut.
The proposal is the first step in the state's budget planning. The governor will release a revised plan in May, and legislators must approve a final budget. Much could change before a final plan is adopted.
Don Henniger, executive director of Child Development Resources Inc. in Ventura County, sat on Tuesday's panel. He spoke not as a leader of a nonprofit that manages subsidized child care providers but as a representative for the Child Development Policy Institute, a statewide advocacy group.
He encouraged everyone to unite with a single message, asking policymakers if they are for children or against them. He also urged officials to give parents opportunities to have their voices heard.
"The end game for children — that all children deserve quality education and the benefits that early care and education bring — cannot change because of funding levels," he said.
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Comments » 37
viking2265 writes:
Here come some more horror stories from Sacramento if we don't raise taxes.
They're worried that pre-school will become more like baby sitting? Isn't that what it already is?
When my kids were growing up, pre-school wasn't free. Parents had to pay for it. And it was babysitting.
Bongo writes:
They didnt have preschool when I was a kid. Why do we need it now? So mom can go get her nails done?
chair#208777 writes:
I thought Kindergarten was preschool! My sister and I began with first grade way back then. Even though we went to a private school, all I remember of first and second grade was being bored to death! Must have been those neat coloring books we received earlier in our lives that included all the stuff taught in those grades. Do they make them anymore?
simigirl writes:
It's so sad when people are given something for nothing and when it stops they are upset. People should be happy when they get ANY assistance at all. Bu our state gives and gives and people have learned to expect it.
The real problem with the budget cuts is with the new age requirements to begin kindergarten. Thordse kids with birthdays between November 3 and December 2nd, who would have been kindergarten eligible under the old rules, are not being accepted into any school district program because the budget cut did not include a "Transitional Kindergarten" for these children as they originally said they would. Now those children are going to have to wait another year to begin traditional kindergarten. Another decision made by the state without thinking it through all the way.
VenturaTalk_com writes:
Sorry if the long term benefits don't mesh with your afternoon KFI iv-drip, but kids in preschool are more successful as adults.
http://vtatlk.co/w0XTNi
Traditional writes:
Craddle to grave -- state control. Thank a liberal.
Bajfa writes:
You get the government you can afford.
Do we lower public safety to keep pre-kindergarten services?
Do we eliminate senior services to keep pre-kindergarten services?
Raising taxes isn't an option. More revenue will just encourage more spending. Our leaders need to make more efficient use of the monies they have, just like working families are forced to do.
simiwayne writes:
Many people get government services they pay nothing for then pitch a fit when talks of cutting back are put on the table. Here is a thought, you want your kid in pre-kindergarten? Pay for it.
BobOzza writes:
The program is a glorified babysitting State scheme used by;
pregnant teenage mothers,
undocumented mothers,
welfare mothers,
mothers on drugs,
mothers who can’t watch their own kids,
mothers who have five-eight kids but can’t afford them,
mothers who are already third and fourth generation welfare recipients, etc.
As a tax payer who pays for this, I say enough, dump it!! Slash it Moonbeam!!
There is no evidence or study that these bloated budget programs work!
I’d rather continue funding Planned Parenthood, so these mothers and dads stop having babies they can’t afford or don’t have the means to support or stop having anchor babies!
0812dude writes:
You may not have had preschool when you were growing up but that is probably one of many good reasons why you are jobless and typing angry threads on the Star web page. We also did not have personal computers, cell phones, iPads or cable tv when you were of preschool age.
Preschool has its place in today's society and economy. Its nice to think that mommy can raise her kids on her own but that is not reality. That's 1960-70's nuclear family thinking. It takes two incomes to raise a family in Southern California. That means childcare becomes a necessity if you are raising a family. Any assistance should go to those most in need. Personally, I do not need assistance and if it were offered I would turn it down. I have much more respect for myself in knowing that someone else, more deserving and needy will get that assistance...and this is a HUGE problem that someone else touched on. Our society is becoming dependent on ENTITLEMENTS, free money, free hand-outs, cheap loans that they have no plan on paying back....all without having to do anything. Some of these people accept assistance even when they can well afford to take care of business themselves. Look at free lunches at school. Who here cannot afford to pack a sandwich and an apple for their kid to eat at school? Give me a break. Free school lunches are a ridiculous waste that the Federal government funds. It is like heroin. Once the money is removed people are up in arms. This is one piece of the heroin pie. There's more to come folks. Keep voting for the morons that got us here and we will continue on the road to Greece. You ain't seen nothing yet.
thadious writes:
I already pay close to 14 thousand in property taxes and more from my payroll, I dont fell the least bad having the illegals not get free babysitting and free meals at school. Im sure liberals want the nanny state to continue but lets get real
Lets_Be_Truthful writes:
To the naysayers out there, Preschool does work. Kids that attend have a clear advantage over those that do not attend. When my oldest began kindergarten it was obvious which kids in the class had been in preschool. Mine was the youngest in the class along with another child who attended the same preschool. They knew there alphabet, numbers up to 20, and some social skills involved for being in a classroom. There we quite a few kids that were turning six that never had been in any form of day care or preschool and the teach had to spend all her time dealing with them. Of course I paid for a private preschool which was worth it but our tax money goes towards public programs so it still isn't something free. It is a definite plus for everyone.
2BRNOT2B writes:
Geez, sure would be nice if people would accept their responsibility to only have kids when they can afford them. I'm tired of paying babysitting for unwed mothers, illegals, welfare mothers and other irresponsible individuals that think the "government" (actually you and me) owe them something. If you can't afford to have a child then use birth control - I provide that to you for free also! All we need is more children growing up thinking the "government" hands out free money and services. If you can't afford to stay home with your child, and be a "real mother", until they are old enough to attend kindergarten then use birth control!!!!
rebel123 writes:
Kids in kindergarten now are expected to know a great deal more going in than they did "back in the day" when so many of you were there. Pre-school has been a proven advantage to prep kids for school and those who have pre-school experience perform better than those who don't. As with so many things, we are willing to leave those kids behind to punish their parents. Clearly education is not valued. Or perhaps, not valued for the kids of poor people. Oh.. .right... they should never have had kids... I forgot. And now that those kids are here, let's crap all over them and make sure they have fewer advantages. That's a great way to advance society!!
vcforlife writes:
Keeping people hooked on government assistance is the Progressive(Marxist/Socialist/Communist) playbook. dumbing down the electorate and buying votes are the only way to get elected. The post I am reading are great. Keep the pressure on politicians to stop this insanity. Please keep your family, friends and neighbors informed of these useless programs.
rebel123 writes:
And the best way to dumb them down is to deny access to education, early as well as college.
WiggleRoom writes:
No. So mom can go to work and pay taxes. Now mom will have to stay home and collect welfare. Is that a better choice?
WiggleRoom writes:
And now those moms who were working and paying taxes will sit home with their kids and collect welfare. Nice short-sided view thadious
simiwayne writes:
I am guessing that most of the moms will sit at home either way. How do I know that you ask? I don't... just as you don't know they would be going to work
VenturaVet writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
blackfoot writes:
The studies that people in this blog are referring to that say preschool kids are better off then non-preschoolers are bogus. The actual results cannot be substantiated by attendance at a preschool. A successful 27 year old that went to preschool also went through 25 years of environmental, behavioral, educational and emotional scenarios that are never considered because the entire study has an objective to promote preschools. That being said: Preschool is nothing more than a babysitter. A good parent at home is far superior in every way then preschool. My (4) kids all did great in kindergarten and up the line due to I taught them the alphabet, reading and math before they ever entered the public school system. Preschools do not do this and don't expect them to!! Lately, our elementary and highschools barely do this. Preschools are merely a babysitter and now they are becoming govt run like our awful public schools.
vcforlife writes:
I would agree with you. But, they are not teaching these kids, they are indoctrinating them. The public educated children are not prepared for college or adulthood. California children testing scores in math, english and science are way below the national average and the United States as a whole is well below other modernized countries. The public school teachers and administrator should all be fired. They have proven to be a failure. It is infested with molestors, Socialist, Latino Activist, and other low lives.
blackfoot writes:
2BRNOT2B You are absolutely correct! I've heard of many stories where young women (using that term loosely) that get pregnant for the WIC $$. Being on welfare is their 'job'. It's completely sick and needs to be stopped. What happens to their poor spawn that have to grow up that way? Now, there's a study that I wouldn't mind reading.
thadious writes:
What a typical liberal left wing sit on your butt and hope the GOVERMENT SAVES YOU answer!!!!
How about some personnel responsibility! it used to be in this once great state and country that you took care of your family and your self.
Your first thought is to throw in the towel and collect welfare, short sided in my view, however I work for a living
WiggleRoom writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
WiggleRoom writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
thadious writes:
personnel responsibility is whats going to save this state and this country
Its what started this state and this great country
kkayla writes:
You are certainly aware of the huge amount of money public education is losing. Where would you suggest cuts be made in order to keep these programs in effect? It is obvious we can no longer afford everything....that party is over and choices must now be made.
hottdawg805 writes:
To all you ridiculous ignorant people who think preschool is baby sitting and doesn't help your child. It is needed and I know many preschool teachers and they work very hard to teach and help your children learn the basic things they need to carry them into Kindergarten. It helps them interact with other children and teaches them way more than the education that all of you seem to be lacking. If they cut preschool it means hard working people are out of a job! Are you all that heartless that you do not care? What if it was your family member that lost their job because of these cuts. Would you be on here talking bad about their jobs? Preschool is not just for welfare mothers and or a certain group of people. It is for every child out there who needs a start to an education. Your narrow minded views are what keep children from learning and people losing their jobs. Next time think before you comment about the hard working men and women that work in this under appreciated and hard business we call PRESCHOOL!
Lets_Be_Truthful writes:
Paws down, that was the best put explanation of why preschool is needed. Ty.
Pull_Back_The_Curtain writes:
I am so glad the governor is cutting the education budget and especially the pre-school and CalWorks. Schools have overspent on building contacts for decades. Builders take advantage of the system. The starting bids are inflated, so even the lowest bids are still higher than the real cost should be.
Government pre-schools indoctrinate the children. Some in Ventura County with First Five are even "sugar-free" and make a big deal about inspecting lunches and taking away any cookies or fruit drinks. Talk about Big Brother!
My daughter has friends who worked at pre-schools as part of their training. They reported that many parents who were getting free or reduced tuition at a government center would drive up in brand new SUVs. The moms had acrylic nails. Some have wasted money on tattoos. This is galling. Some moms claim that they are single, yet they live with the fathers of their children. Tons are illegals. There are so many who are living here without papers that they are not the least bit worried about admitting it at the schools. The government pre-school programs ask for the place of birth of the parents. I've seen some of the enrollment records. These parents tell the bilingual teachers that they are illegal, and have no fear that they will be reported. This would not be tolerated in Canada or Australia. They are super strict about immigration in those countries.
If you can't afford kids, and can't spend time taking them to the library every week when they are tiny, then don't have kids! My grandmother said that over and over, and my parents said the same thing. My own adult children don't plan on starting a family until they are in good financial shape--when they are in their early 30's.
Good for Jerry Brown. Remember, he was going to be a Jesuit priest. He is all about austerity. He never had kids. He was Mayor of Oakland and saw lots of ghetto culture, including fraud and gaming the system.
Governor Brown will NOT back down. Good for him.
Pull_Back_The_Curtain writes:
Always remember--where there is a will, there is a way
If parents can't afford government preschool, then they will find a babysitter if they really want to keep their job. There will always be neighborhood babysitters who will be glad to watch a few kids. Or parents can ask a relative, or they can start a co-op and share the babysitting/preschool duties.
I don't buy the argument that all these people on CalWorks will quit their jobs because they are going to lose their free daycare/preschool spots.
hottdawg805 writes:
Listen you ignorant person. Don't judge people just because of what someone tells you or things you may see because black, white, Asian it doesn't matter because nobody is perfect and of course there will be a few bad apples but at the same time there are hard working couples and families who depend on preschools and that help and guidance they provide . I do not know what fantasy world you seem to live in where you think everyone has family members or neighborhood friends so willing to babysit children. Like I said before cuts mean loss of jobs which will trickle down into people applying for unemployment and that will not help the economy at all. Imagine if your daughter lost her job because of these cuts. Will you be on here talking like this praising the cuts. Next time try to think of others and their families before you express your narrow minded views.
wolf9walker writes:
Just so you know I do pay for a pre-school, not that its any of your business, but if I don’t put that out 1st several of you people will make false accusations.
Pre-school is helping my kid to learn many things, things that my wife and I are not sure what he should know at this age. It is helping him for his future.
Proof? There is a friend of mine who’s kid was born on the same day as my kid. Already my kid is learning his ABC’s and how to write. It’s a long story and none of your business but he is a single parent working a lot of hours to keep a roof and food for his kids, so he can’t afford pre-school, only the babysitter so his kid is smart but he’s not learning as much as fast because he’s not getting that much. He will not be ready for school as much as my son will.
Before you bad mouth my friend he is a very caring father and works with his two kids as much as he can, but he has to work a lot and doesn’t get to spend as much time as he would like. My wife and I also have to work, and yet we still work with him. So he is learning from us as well as pre-school
But there are parents out there that work their butts off, but get paid little. Some of you complain that people are dumb, well start educating them as early as possible to give them a better chance. I don’t mind helping those who are trying. Some of you though sounds like you don’t care about anyone but yourselves.
Think of this, even with those parents who don’t care, should we punish the children? The children didn’t have a say on who their parents are.
wolf9walker writes:
You do know that it could be said that churches indoctrinate children also. As for “infested with molesters” someone could mention a few catholic priests. On the John and ken show they were talking about it and about a map where you could look to where these priest are. even here in ventura county.
the politicians want to cut everything, but something they should cut, their pay.
In 2008 my company (to protect itself) the CEO took a 20% cut in pay and also stopped his bonus’s. The other managers took a 5-10% cut for a yr. They didn’t touch the workers pay.
Lead by example, those politicians who say they care for the people (and that goes for both sides), why don’t they take a small pay cut for a while? They don’t mind cutting education and services, they tell us we have to suffer a little for the better of the country. But they don’t offer to suffer a little with us, they don’t take cuts, do they? The only thing they agree on is giving each other raises.
VenturaMusician writes:
Oh Good Grief, be a parent for Pete's sake. All three of my kids knew their alphabet, how to count to 100, how to add and subtract single digit numbers and how to write their names before they went to Kindergarten and they learned it from? Guess who? Mom and Dad!
We don't need preschool, we need parents. If you are worried your kid is not ready for Kindergarten, then hold them out a year. This whole thing of learning interaction skills, its all liberal cocky-monkey.
You wackos have 12 years to get your progressive views indoctrinated in our kids, maybe even up to 20 if they go through enough school to be a Doctor. 1 extra year of indoctrination is not going to give you that much of additional advantage.
Lets_Be_Truthful writes:
Lmao! My friend Bob would laugh at you calling me a "progressive". What you fail to realize is that it's a fact that having the option of preschool available is a benefit to us all. Another fact you don't realize is that by being a parent, my children have exceeded most others for their age and now are in one of the most top ranking schools in the area. This is because I work hard to provide for them, set my own personal time aside to teach and guide them, and if when I can spend time at their school as a volunteer. I guess you also don't realize the fact that most people in this economy need to have both parents working. Take into account also that some are single parents trying to make it as well. The only thing that is being indoctrinated is your brain from Fox News lol. Maybe your education was not well spent as it is as wide as the white line down that one way street of yours.
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