¹ú²úÊÓƵ

Louisiana Lawmakers Consider Universal Pre-K

A key senate committee in Louisiana is considering a that would make the state pre-k program, called L4, in the state by 2013. The legislation, which was introduced by state senator , who represents New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward, would gradually scale up the L4 income eligibility requirements on an annual basis until all four year olds were eligible for the program. it will help bring the high-quality L4 program to children from middle-class families who are often shut out of pre-k programs.

Toddler Pre-K Program Expanding in Texas, Florida

Researchers at the University of Texas are planning to to two- and three- year olds in Dallas. The program, run by the same team that developed and launched the (TEEM), will train Dallas child care workers in the . The toddler TEEM program is already under way in Houston and Tallahassee, using money from a $6 million federal grant.

Tennesse Budget’s Missing Something

Lawmakers in Tennessee passed a on Wednesday. Left out: the by Gov. Phil Bredesen (D) to add 246 more pre-kindergarten classrooms across the state. Earlier this year, Gov. Bredesen was for supporting a 31 percent increase in the state pre-k budget this year despite a projected $276 million budget shortfall.

Update: Pay for K Rolls Out in Minneapolis

Earlier, about how some parents Minneapolis will have to pay $3,000 a year to enroll their children in full-day kindergarten classes as part of a pilot plan by the Minneapolis Public Schools to fix a $13 billion shortfall. The has a story this week about the district’s plans to roll out the program next year at one elementary school, and the mixed parent reactions to the plan. The district currently offers free full-day classes, including at the pilot school. Under the new “Kindergarten Plus” program, lower-income families will pay fees according to a sliding scale, though that if the pilot program is successful, the district will likely expand the program in the to the district’s more affluent schools.