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Free pre-Kindergarten could be a reality for KCPS parents

Posted at 4:37 PM, Jun 13, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-15 10:23:52-04
Tuition free pre-Kindergarten could be a reality for parents in the Kansas City School District. The district's provisional accreditation status has opened up new funding options for district leaders.
 
Jerry Kitzi is the director of Early Learning for Kansas City Public Schools. He says the district could soon offer free pre-K to parents in the district.
 
"This year, because of the new state law that was passed two years ago for provisionally accredited school districts, we're going to be able to offer that seven-hour academic day at no cost to families," said Kitzi.
 
The district's provisional accreditation qualifies it for state funding to pay for early learning for students at Title I schools in the district, including charter schools. This would include pre-K tuition at Border Starr Montessori and Hale Cook Elementary School. The new funding would pay for the current 54 pre-k classrooms and 600 preschools students in the district.  It would not add more preschool seats in the district.
 
"We'll take it to the school board because it's a change. The school board would approve it. It would be effective as soon as they approve it; in time for enrollment for this coming school year," said Kitzi.
 
It's a change that would give working-class parents a financial break while their children learn fundamental tools for a lifetime of learning.  
 
Before and after school care would not be included. Parents would have to pay extended day program fees.
 
Kansas City Public Schools is hosting a community forum on the proposed plan for pre-Kindergarten program and the investment that KCPS is making in early childhood education.
 
KCPS is asking families for their feedback on the proposed plan.  
 
The forum will start at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 13 at Manual Career Tech, at 1215 E. Truman Rd.
 
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