My name is Jenifer Stevens. I am a working mother of 2 and recently my husband was laid off work. I do make a fairly decent income, but now being the sole provider it has become tough! Especially house payments, electricity and not to mention the ever rising gas prices. I have now taken as much overtime that is offered to make ends meet. Well recently I tried to enroll my son in preschool, it did wonders for my daughter years back and I wanted him to be prepared for kindergarten. To my surprised I was told my income was too high, and therefore wouldn't qualify for state funded programs, fine my only alternative would be to pay for preschool. This is not a child care issue for me, with my husband now being home there's no problem there, and even if he wasn't my mother has always been a huge help and willing to watch both my kids anytime! This was purely for his education and readiness for kindergarten, so if I have to pay for it, then I have to pay for it. Well as I called around to numerous preschools I found that they were all upwards of $300-$400 a month for HALF days! There is no way on earth that I can afford this with only one income. The more and more I think of this the angrier I get! When I was turned down because my income was too high, I saw several parents enrolling multiple kids ranging from ages 2-4 with multiple other kids in tow and some with more on the way! But because I don't have a large family OR live off assistance, my son doesn't get a chance at an early start on his education? I feel that alot of these other families are using this system as "day care" I'm not! I was reading on the "First 5" website and it has a section on the "Power of Preschool" and in this section it states, "One of First 5 California's priorities is making quality preschool available to every 4 year-old in California." Does this not include middle class? Obviously low income is covered, and upperclass can afford to pay for preschool, meanwhile, my son and other middle-class kids are not receiving any benefits!! I am sure you have plenty of other viewers that would agree with me, that something needs to be done about this!
Preschool for middle-class
by jenstvns (Subscribe)
Posted on: Aug 15, 2008 at 5:58 PM PDT
Channel: On the Scene
Location: Bakersfield, CA
Yes, this is true I've been there but unfortunatly thats our system . It definately needs some working on . I'm can not send my son for the same reason so hopfully he can catch up when the time comes. GOOD LUCK.
I just enrolled my 4 year old in pre school. Two full days a week and that alone is $400 a month. Not to mention that I will be providing all of his meals due to food allergies. However, child care exp. are tax deductible ( % that is).
YES I THINK THIS IS 100% UNFAIR I THINK EVERY KID SHOULD HAVE THE SAME OPORTUNITY TO GO TO, BUT WHY DON'T YOU KEEP SEARCHING I HAVE A 3 YEAR OLD AND I PAY $400. MO FOR 5 FULL DAYS AND HI IS HAVING A GREAT TIME LEARNING
I am a preschool teacher who understands your frustration. CA voters voted down a "Preschool For All" measure that would of provided funding for middle class families. The preschool community is trying, let your voices be heard by the politicians!
I have been in the same boat, if you work hard and keep your job seems like your punished. I have seen friends of mine that are sitting back letting the state pay for everything. Seems there's more chances for your kids educationaly if you don't work
I work at a preschool and it does upset me to see families that might 'not' really need the care but have there children here all day because they can provide proof. But meanwhile I have a hard time looking for a place for my 2 year-due to my income
Anymore the middle class lives the lower class life while the lower class seems to have the perks we work so hard for. I enrolled part time at Taft college and meet the same problem there not to metion having to also pay for all my class' and books.
I feel the same way. And I hate to feel guilty about my 4 year old not having the same education. She is so smart and I teach her stuff myself at home but there definately has to be something done. Let's just hope it's sooner than later.
I have the same feeling about this. I tried to enroll my child and I was told I made too much. I too am a sole provider of my household. Anybody have any ideas on what can be done?
Join or start a local co-op. Its run and funded by the parents. It can be simple(people on the same street meeting, teaching, and possibly rotating houses so you pay only for teaching materials-great idea for stay-at-homers) or more complex.
Angela says ...
On Friday, Aug 15 at 7:27 PM
Yes I do agree with you to the fullest!!!! I too am in the same position! I am having the biggest problem to get my daughter in to pre school! I am a single parent, this whole situation angers me! I thought i was the only one!