My Pre-k child is getting kicked out of Public school. Can they do this ?

Lisa - posted on 03/27/2011

Sorry to tell you, but since it isn't your county and it is pre-k they probably can. Check your state board of education or independent school district.

Teresa - posted on 03/27/2011

Hello
I am a retired Teacher worked in NEW YORK and also have a private Preschool in PA where do you live and I have never heard such a thing

Natalia - posted on 03/27/2011

Try ur senator! Contact ur local office email or call they should be able to help! Try one or all of them! Some one should be able to help. Legal aid they can asist u in some way.

Martha - posted on 03/27/2011

You don't pay taxes in that school district, so why should they educate your child at no cost? Aren't there kids in the district that need the spot? And a thousand dollars with a payment plan sounds like a great deal to me.

Schelly - posted on 03/27/2011

I am assuming that your children are attending a public school. In many states (including mine) Kindergarten is not required by state law. Parents do not have to enroll children until they are age 6 or 7. In my state (so far) the schools still get funding for Kindergarten children, so they can afford to run the programs as part of the elementary or early childhood program. When Pre-K and K are not required, the school can probably run them as optional programs. With state governments across the nation cutting funding to schools, there are many districts going through the same kind of thing. Having no prior notice seems unusual. Since you are driving so far, do you think notice was given in a newspaper local to the district and you may not have seen it? While I sympathize with your situation, you can still give your son lots of experiences that will prepare him for first grade. Read to him everyday and give him a chance to help you around the house. Measuring ingredients, sorting and pairing socks, drawing and coloring, building fine motor and large motor skills and learning how to get along with other children will help him to keep learning and developing.

Linda - posted on 03/27/2011

Do they have any sort of scholarship program? Contact your local politicians fr some assistance. Don't take 'no' for an answer and DON'T pull him out. It is not right that such news was simply sprung on you. Be proactive for your child! Good luck.

Jana - posted on 03/27/2011

I don't even know what to say to this! This is rediculous! I think you should find a lawyer to consult with. Consultations are free. That is crazy!

Shannan - posted on 03/27/2011

Im a little confused because you said your child is getting Kicked out of school... (which only can happen if he did somethng wrong).. And there are NO county jurisdications on PRE-K becuase its basically just daycare for children who arent 5 and of public school age.. (I have been a preschool teacher for 13 years) Head start is actually in the public schools and again you cant get kicked out unless they've done something wrong, and thats an income based program. So all you can do is enroll him in another "daycare". Private schools have a right to change their policy whenver they want because it is a "private" school. Sadly this one sounds like it doesnt know what it wants to do...

Kathleen - posted on 03/27/2011

Is this a regular school program or a special service program?? Contact your district's attorney and/or the social worker/parent advocates in your area. You mention a "lottery funded" program, contact who funds the program immediately! Keep us posted!!! Good luck, Kathleen

Lisa - posted on 03/27/2011

They can do this since it is not your neighborhood feeder school. This is happening all over the US so many want higher standards of education for there kids. Change and just common sense is needed. Figh where you can to make your local lawmakers aware amd in the meantime use time you were driving so far to teach your child yourself til kindergarten.

Debby - posted on 03/27/2011

if its a private school, why wouldnt you pay? you dont owe if you didnt have a contract with the school, but they can charge now...not after the fact. seriously, i wouldnt bother with pre school obsession, i would wait and pay for a good hs or college. overrated....as long as your kid has good friends and parents that set a good example, the school thing is bs

Jessi - posted on 03/27/2011

Is there something you can work out as far as volunteering some time for the school in exchange for a reduction in tuition? I would contact the district office to try to work something out.

Sandra - posted on 03/27/2011

Post a reply! first off who told you this, then go to the head of that department, trace it to it's source until you see something in writing stating that this is happening when it was legal and that it is legal to make it retroactive, it doesn't sound right to me, I would trace it until I got the answers and results I want

Kelly - posted on 03/27/2011

Sad but true pre-K is not a required grade to attend ( neither is K I have recently found out) and is not part of the public school systems. Private schools can charge whatever they feel is a right and make people couch up that kind of money. However there are plenty of pre-K programs that are state funded or have special tuition breaks. do a google search of state funded programs in your area. many of the local colleges have pre-schools on campus and offer government grants for low-moderate income families even if you the parent are not a student at the campus. There are also many other government funded programs that offer low cost tuition to any income bracket. I know of a few in California where I am from but Im sure many states have them you just need dig hard and do some research. hang in there :)

Kristie - posted on 03/27/2011

B.J., I sympathize with you and understand your desire for a better education. As an educator myself, it has been a struggle to find quality schools that provide a quality education. However, all over the United States almost all school systems have had to make major cuts. Sure it doesn't seem fair and it timely notice likely wouldn't have made it better. A lot of school systems are in a pinch and have to make swift and sometimes unfair decisions. The fact that they dropped to four days a week, is another sign they are in financial trouble. I wish you all the luck in the world and hope something pans out for you and your child.

Veronica - posted on 03/27/2011

I currently pay $140 a month for pre-school for my 3yr old son, and next fall when he is 4yrs old I will be paying $180 a month for Mon/Weds/Fri 2hrs a day. I agree that it is unreasonable to spring this on you with no notice (should have started it next fall if anything) but $1000 a year is not expensive for preschool, I wish my son's preschool was that cheap.

Megan - posted on 03/27/2011

Because you're out of district they can do whatever they want. However, I would ask about the payment plan and to get it in writing.

Agatha - posted on 03/27/2011

This is tough I must admit but the fact that this was never put to your notice in writing or even early veral notice and only mentioned at time the child is finishing, its wrong on their part. They have the mandate to give you updates on your status and give early warning to parents who are owing them. Even then, a new programme is supposed to be communicated early and at an appropriate time say beginning of year or better, take effect from time its effected not take on arreas. You need to negotiate with the school. so your chils wont miss the grad. This is not only hurting for you but will traumatise the child if he gets to know he wont be graduating with friends. Let the child graduate and you be given some ample time within which to pay the money. This is only fair. becasue then it means you lose out on this grad and have to wait which is not good. Meanwhile, stay strong and let the little trace of faith left in you, yield much more than you ever will dream

Dauphne - posted on 03/27/2011

It's ok to cry. I always cried myself to sleep at night. It really will stress you out to the max. We still need to be strong. They always say that you have to be very patient at all time. But that's not what I felt during those time, I felt my temper is getting shorter and shorter everyday. We need professional help. The specialist will help you to identify his IQ and learning style (my son is an auditory learner). They will help you to correct their behavior as well. I taught 2nd grader at a regular exclusive boy school. My son was in nursery, I have to withdrew him from school and placed him in a montessori school with full time play therapy. After a year, I moved him back to the regular school. His behavior did improve a lot, but I still recieved constant complains from the teachers. Regular school teachers are not equipped to handle special boys like ours. We have to mainstream them before we can place them in a regular school. It's extremely tiring and costly. I was not able to save a single cent for years. I have to use all my savings and salary for the therapy and other expenses. We just need to give them unconditional love. They will start to mature at the age of 12 or 13. Hang on...remember, he has nobody to depend on except you. Be strong...I hope my response will make you feel better.

Mommy - posted on 03/27/2011

I feel bad for your child that they have to leave school so late in the year. There are cutbacks everywhere, but they should have given sufficient notice if they were planning on charging for services. Actually, their budgets are approved the previous year, so if there were changes to be made they should have notified parents prior to the start of the school year. You said something about "no kid left behind" and everyone's right for an education. If your child is in pre-school, this does not apply to them. In fact, pre-school is not seen as a neccessity. This only applies to children in Kindergarten and older. Just thought you should know, because if you use this as an argument in your case against the school system, you will definitely be shot down. Good luck.

Michelle - posted on 03/26/2011

Check your enrollment papers. See if they have a disclosure in there about tuition or paying anything. If there is nothing, refuse to pay. If they fight you on it, I would get a lawyer.

Maxine - posted on 03/26/2011

Post a reply! contact the dept of Education, should be able to finish the yr especially with no prior notice.

Jane - posted on 03/26/2011

What state are you from?

Amy - posted on 03/26/2011

Oh Wow, that really bites. I'm sorry that after all the sacrifice you made to make sure he got a better education that this had to happen. The ironic part being that if you didn't have to pay for the gas to get him there you probably would have had the money. Maybe you could check into child action or Headstart programs in your area, which are both really good programs. Or, if your not having to pay for gas anymore, you could see about private pre-k programs in your area, maybe making partial payments and working for the school in lieu of the rest of tuition? You're obviously very dedicated to your sons education, so I'm sure the answer will show up soon. Til then, enjoy the time with your son. And I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you find an answer soon.

Dana - posted on 03/26/2011

I think you should start to find out who else they might have done this to. Start asking questions and making A LOT of noise about this. No school would like the negative response. Start going to school board members and getting them involved. But, don't stop there.... keep going up the food chain. We have the same type of program in our school system, and I don't ever recall there being a fee for your child's education. It is used as a stepping stone for these kids to start their education. Everyone wants money somehow. It's a bunch of crap!!!! Good luck and best wishes.

Dorothy - posted on 03/25/2011

My children attended a school in upstate NY that allowed non resident children to attend without paying tuition. They changed it the third year they were enrolled, but did notify us in advance. The reason they increased tuition was because a lot of the non-locals played sports and the resident parents felt that their children were not receiving the opportunity to play sports due to outside attendance. I don't know why they wouldn't or couldn't have notified you sooner. Perhaps you could speak with someone on the school board or the district supervisor to request (maybe under freedom of information act) why this decision was being instituted so quickly.( especially with the economy in such poor shape). I don't know if this will help, but I hope so.

Jenn - posted on 03/25/2011

Call the school board ASAP..Also, write a letter to your local newspaper editor, when you make these types of things public, then you get the results you want...Do not go without a fight! I would at the very least demand my child be able to finish that semester. Get on the phone and start sending out emails to the higher ups right NOW. That is BS!

Kathy - posted on 03/25/2011

What about "home schooling"??? I would pray about it and ask the Lord what you should do. I don't know if you are a Believer in the Lord Jesus, but if you are, seek the Lord in prayer about what to do. I am sending my 5 year old to a private Christian school. He is so excited about it! We live in a rural area, so we don't have many options here. I am so blessed that I can afford to send him to a private school. If I couldn't afford it though I would probably homeschool. KatAmanti

Martha - posted on 03/25/2011

BJ if this is government program they should not kick your child out of school. It seems that the gov. don't help the american families that really need it.I have a handicapped child that I do noy recieve any gov. help with except for the public school system. I was always told that I made too much money. I can't even get ssi for him because I work for now!!

Kathy - posted on 03/25/2011

You should check with the county independent school district and States Department of Education located in the capitol of your state you reside in now to find out about this. Also if you did NOT sign a contract with them for such fees then No they cant charge you for something you NEVER agreed to pay. I've never heard of any state charging for kindergarten but pre-k maybe a different story as it is not required by "most" states to enroll your child until they reach their 7th birthday and then it is kindergarten for them unless they test out to go to first grade. If you intend to pursue this issue you will need to do your homework and do all the research you can to make a difference in the life of yours and other children for their education best of luck.

Deanna - posted on 03/25/2011

I would say simply to relax. It isn't that big of a deal since he will learn then same things again next year in kindergarten. You can always do it at home with him to in order to fill the gap. He isn't going to care if he didn't "graduate" from preschool or that he doesn't get to "celebrate" with the other kids in another 6 months. I know this sounds harsh but all of that is simply for the parents. I truly think you will be fine and if not then why not finish teaching him at home and you can host your own "graduation" and "celebration" with friends and family.

good luck.

Yolanda - posted on 03/25/2011

sorry to hear this- 1st, No Child Left Behind was an unfunded mandate, so that's what happened. lots of schools are feeling the budget crunch stimulus $ has run out for most places and where I am, schools just got their budgets which are cut by a lot. I bet the budget changes were discussed in the area where the school is). my district charges tuition for preschool to all except the children with special education needs. I have one daughter who will likely be eligibe for speech therapy services beginning this fall, but her twin sister can't even apply until next year, and we'll have to pay $200 a week (assuming they don't raise prices!) for her to go to school with her sister.

Janeen Rose - posted on 03/25/2011

Never heard of free pre-school. Where I teach it would cost you $1000 a month!

Regina - posted on 03/25/2011

Sounds like they may not be Ble to do anything a out this, but plz check with them about his curriclum. You can finish out the year. You can do this! Have a celebration at "graduation", may e with dome other moms. You are proba ly not the only one in this boat!!!

Jeanne - posted on 03/25/2011

I would go talk to the principal about this. If you don't get satisfactory answers, your next step would be the school district superintendent. It is really weird that you didn't get anything in writing.

Debbie - posted on 03/25/2011

Unfortunately, due to the economy, many people resent having to pay for children to attend that are out of their zone. Each household (with children or without) pays so much in taxes per year that goes to their designated school they are supposed to attend. This has caused schools who wish to keep school choice as a legal alternative to also request parents who come from outside that district to pay "their fair share" since their child participates. I know it's difficult as I've been there myself. When my children were babies, they decided to change our school zones and the one we were assigned was sub-par. I requested "school choice" for them to attend a different school, also in our same city, and I would provide transportation (I didn't expect them to send a bus just for my kids). From the Superintendent of schools to Sen. Forbes.....I was told in Virginia, there is no school choice. It was recently in our news that one woman was busted for sending her child to another school outside of her assigned zone and she was found guilty, has to pay all the taxes the citizens of the attended school pays for kids to attend + she will receive 10 days in jail. They have really begun cracking down on that sort of thing. My only option was to send to private school - which we truly couldn't afford but had no other options. It's a struggle, but can be done. I make an agreement with the school that I pay 100% of the yearly tuition when taxes come in. Maybe you can get an extension via the Superintendent of Schools and request the same? Good luck!!!

Alavisi - posted on 03/25/2011

I am sorry for your situation, however, I will tell you exactly why your child's school made that decision: Due to some irresponsible parents, ABUSING the system.!!! Some people apply, lie, forge, make up phoney check stubbs just to have the state pay the majority of their child care costs. While hard working parents with just barely enough to make ends meet struggle to afford it. Well, its finally come to an end. Unfortunately, the government has cut these cost not only to you but to others as well, and so times are really getting hard.

Megan - posted on 03/25/2011

I feel you pain. I am not goin through the exact same problem but very similar and I too am not sure what to do. My daughter was enrolled in a Pre-K program in Jan. of this year. Now they are telling me that she can no longer participate in the program b/c her birthday was after the cut off date (Sept. 1st and her birthday is Sept. 19th). But they are the ones who allowed her to enter the program knowing her birthday in the first place. So why should my daughter be the one punished for their mistake? There is only about 2 months left of school anyways, why not let her finish. I could understand if she were not learning at the same level as the rest of the kids, or if she didn't enjoy school, but she LOVES school. I haven't told her yet that she may not be able to go back because I know it's going to break her lil heart! UGH.... Hope things work out for you. Wish I had some suggestions other than maybe go to the board of ed.... Plea your case. I think that may be my only option.

Tanya - posted on 03/25/2011

they can change their policy going forward but they can't make you pay retroactively. Unfortunately they can stop him from coming for the rest of the year though. I would refuse paying retroactively, but if you want him to finish out the year you probably have to pay for the remainder from the date of the notice.

Brittany - posted on 03/25/2011

Since you do not live in the district then yes, they can make you pay a tuition. Seems to m like they have a lack of communication skill going on there. The No Child Left Behind law is such a joke anyway. Here we are 10 years later and our public school system is still failing our children. Do you know how many young adults graduate from high school and can not read, write or do simple math? The numbers would amaze many of us. The politicians are to busy worrying about lining their own pockets with money that they are cutting education spending every time I turn on the news. Not to menetion, and I am not saying anyone on this blog does or does not, parents. Parents are to busy with this or to busy with that and they do not make sure their children are being properly educated and cared for at school. This is why children are being bullied and killed. Part of the failing school system is the school and the other part is parents not being active and attentive to their childs classroom needs. I know many of you ladies (and maybe genetlemen on here) work or have busy schedules but, I promise you it makes a world of difference to sit down with your child for one hour and ask them "How was your day?" If you have teenagers and they want to give you the Mom/Dad I dont want to talk about this crap...then start talking about your day. Tell them you did this at work or that at work, you called this person or that person ect....show them you are open to talk about your day as well.....sorry about the rant :). P.S. I am not trying to say I am a perfect parent and I do my best to take time to talk to my children about their day. I do not work because I am a full time Biology student. My kids are not quite yet school age but, they will tell me about the pictures they drew with daddy all day.

Tabitha - posted on 03/25/2011

1. They shouldn't be able to do that since it's a lottery funded program, 2. (I only recommend this if you are willing to do something about it) take it to the your state senator or local government official bout it. Otherwise you can talk to a church or something who has a pre-k program that is really cheap. But I'd recommend probably a lawyer who knows those laws because they can't do that without a notice.

Morgan - posted on 03/25/2011

Have you contacted the School District's administration for an explanation? I would want something stating WHY I was suddenly being asked for tuition at nearly the end of the school year. I'm sorry you are going through this. I hope you don't have to stop taking him to school. That's just so sad.

Gina - posted on 03/25/2011

Seek legal advice.

Tammy - posted on 03/25/2011

I would maybe see if there is a group of parents that are being effected the same way you are. I know in Iowa they are changing our pre K to a paid program but I think they will wait for the next year. Not at what is almost the end of the year! If a group of parents goes to the meeting maybe there can be a compromise or prorate for the remainder of the year so then it's your choice to pay the rest of last few months or pull child from program. I do think it's a little late to say you owe us for the whole year when it was to be free. Let's face it if they had been charging you weekly it probably wouldn't have had such sticker shock but to ask for that much at once is scary for a family in this economy! Good luck!

Tiffany Michelle - posted on 03/25/2011

I don't think that's really fair to change something when they only have 21/2 months left of school. Now I could understand if it was just something that they were gonna start the next school year, but not an all of a sudden thing . . . If i were you I would look into it a little more and maybe contact the school board . . . It's unfair for the parents to be put in this situation, but it's more unfair for the children who will have to leave just before graduation . . .

Hiipoi - posted on 03/25/2011

no child left behind doesnt work for pre-school. it only works for D.O.E. Schools. There are some good schools. you just have to look. I took my children to head start. that is a school for parents that have low income and for parents who are either working or going to school. it is also free. my kids loved it there and they have learned so much from that school. I wouldnt pay 1,000 dollars for my child to go to school. even if it was a better education. because sometimes the schools that charge give the worst education because they are getting paid more. you just have to do research and meet the teachers for yourself. That's what I did and I found that my childrens teachers were very good and that my children trust them and they are also teaching my children the tools that they need to survive in this world.

Sara - posted on 03/25/2011

where do you live? Our system doesn't even offer preschool. By next year, however, they are shutting down completely the technology program at our elementary school because of funding...and my first child is only in kindergarten!! the other one hasn't started yet. They are considered a communications school...go figure! Sorry for your trouble!! I hate to see any programs cut from our school systems. could you look for an affordable private preschool in the meantime?

Sherrie - posted on 03/25/2011

sister, this is the sign of the times. companies don't give notice to their customers anymore. Unfortunately, all you can do is voice your dissatisfaction but in a tasteful and graceful manner. It is VERY unfortunate that you son will not be allowed to participate in this exciting ceremony as it is truly a rite of passage. But, it is primarily for the parent's pleasure more than the child's.
Many programs are suffering funding right now...even though it's supposed to be funded by lottery (i don't want to get started on THAT) and centers and schools are needing to supplement their funding as well as making game changing policies. The ones who suffer are the children and families. Believe me, I know. I was the Center Director of a center that has recently closed due to economic downturn and center's inabilitiy to maintain financial feasibility. I suggest you try to find a program (if there is still time) that your son can participate in that will meet his needs as well as make him feel welcome. It is important that he be involved in the search. Take him with you when you tour centers. He needs to feel as comfortable with the decision as you do. Look for centers that invite your son freely into the classroom and watch for the interaction between the Director, the teacher and potential classmates and your child. If your son happily integrates into the classroom and seems excited to participate this is a good sign your son will like it. The rest is really elementary (no pun intended). Good luck sister. I hope you find something you and your family can be happy with. Unfortunately, finding something we can afford is REALLY hard unless you choose home care.

Beverly - posted on 03/25/2011

OMG! That is just awful and mean. What kind of school is this? Do they have any idear how this can affect your child? Oh I get it their more concern with money, the all mighty dollar! I am so sorry for you and your children. Is this a private school? If they are unfortunitly they can do this, but no matter they should have told you and given you a chance to absorb this and given you a payment plan. I have a feeling you cannot afford this? They should be willing to work with you. I know it doesn't help, but I'm sorry you and the children have to go through this!!

Karen - posted on 03/25/2011

If they haven't done it in writing, they cannot enforce it! A lottery funded school suddenly charging $1000 fees? That just seems fishy... Don't put up with it