Disqualified for Pre-K because my son speaks English?

Question

My school district has an early free Pre-K program at the local elementary school, but because my son speaks English he was disqualified. Is this supposed to be happening in America?

I am an immigrant but no one cared to ask. They wanted ESL students who were born in the USA(US birth certificate a must) but who do not speak English, and very low income families. I am low income, but obviously not low enough. i needed to be on Food stamps or something.

So what I'm understanding is that, even though I struggle to pay for daycare for my son, I'm not dependent on the government for hand-outs, and my child speaks English, I shouldn't be given a chance for a free pre-k for him? Maybe i'm not understanding the policies of this country.

Answer 1

No - weird - i dunno what to suggest for that - discuss with the Pre-K as to why your son, who speaks the native language of the country that he lives in, is not allowed to attend a Pre-K. Or write to a senator or congressman or someone similar - it's always fun to appeal.

Answer 2

Unfortunately with limited resources, schools tend to target kids that are least likely to be successful for free Pre-K programs.

Pre-K is money is meant for Kindergarten readiness, not for childcare. Therefore they will target those least ready. The more dollars they have to spend, the more children they can include.

Since Pre-K programs aren't usually mandatory, they usually have limited spaces and they are filled on an educational need basis.

A child that does not speak English is less likely to be successful in Kindergarten than an English speaking child. A child on government assistance is also seen as being more "at-risk." Schools feel that they have to address the worst first.

Your child was not disqualified "because he spoke English." but because he speaks English he is perceived as being less at-risk than other children and there were enough children more disadvantaged than you to fill the Pre-K class.

It does seem quite unfair however there is a good side - when your child does start Kindergarten, less time and energy will be spent on bringing these kids up to speed, which improves the quality of education for all the kids in the school.

Just try to think how upset you'll be when your son isn't learning anything in Kindergarten because half the day is spent on trying to teach kids basic skills.

The blame isn't on the schools. They either need more money, or fewer kids not ready for school.

Answer 3

It sounds as though the preschool program is geared towards English as a second language. It may be the program is preparing children who do not speak English for Kindergarten. I have seen this in several districts and is not all that unusual. Usually though, most schools also offer a regular preschool program at a much lower cost than daycare, however they are usually only so many days a week and 3 hours a day.

Answer 4

HUH?? In Quebec, this would likely happen but nobody in Quebec thinks they are in America. Unless the free program is specifically aimed at immigrants who don't speak English then there was some other reason for the disqualification that either you were not told or that you do not want to accept.

Answer 5

It seems there might be more to the story. Could it be that the Pre-K was set up for the purpose of giving non-English speaking kids a jump start? Or, maybe it's for kids who otherwise might be lagging in skills they should master before they start kindergarten, including speaking English.

If something like this is not the case, then there's definitely a problem with that policy. You might consult with an attorney.

Answer 6

It may be a school just for those who don't speak English and since he does he may not get that much from that school. If you are a stay at home mom, you can get him a good start in school by going to starfall - I will give you a link for that. Otherwise he may get more out of a different preschool.or use starfall in the evening when you are at home. If that school is for those who don't speak English that may consider it not worth his time to be there or their time to teach him what he already knows. It sounds like you have done a good job already giving him a good head start. Good for you!!

Answer 7

Move to Florida all 4 years are required to attend pre-k paid by the tax payers. The state pays for the first 4 hours then the parents have to pay for childcare for the rest of the day

Answer 8

That sounds completely ridiculous. What else do they expect him to speak? You need to yell at the principal or something and ask for a legitimate reason why they won't accept your son.

Answer 9

what language was he suppose to speak? it's a stupid reason to disqualify someone for that reason especially in america where the majority speaks english

Answer 10

that doesn't sound fair at all! what language is he supposed to speak? well u should ask whoever disqualified him, where he is supposed to go if he can't go there. thats seriously messed up!