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State Pre-K program
Before turning to specific bills, I will point out that the major budget item of interest to TAEYC was the continued support of quality voluntary pre-K for at risk 4 year olds. In spite of some rhetoric criticizing pre-k by some, ultimately pre-k funding was continued at its current level. Currently there are 934 state funded pre-K classrooms in 94 of 95 counties in the state in public school settings but also in private nonprofit, for profit and head start centers. This month (August) the last county without pre-k (Sumner) comes on board. Quality standards must be met. Tennessee now provides this voluntary program for just under half of qualified at risk 4 year olds. There are waiting lists.
Read more here:
Phil Acord ppasb4@aol.com
Rhonda Laird rhonda.laird@vanderbilt.edu
Diane Neighbors diane.r.neighbors@vanderbilt.edu
Stewart Clifton stewartclifton@comcast.net
List of important links for public policy:
(please create links to each of these websites…thanks)
www.tennessee.gov – For information on the state’s pre-k programs
www.prekfortn.com – for information on the Tennessee’s Alliance and new pre-k legislation for all 4 year olds.
www.votesmart.org – this website will help you identify your elected officials.
www.TNPreK.org – for information on the Governor’s new pre-k legislation for all 4 year olds.
www.results.gpponline.org – The Government Performance Project—this site shows the state’s report card.
www.TNDisabilityMegaConference.org – The third annual Disability Mega Conference to be held.
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