Want to weigh in on a legislative proposal to privatize Pre-K? You’ll have to act fast. The House Select Committee on Early Childhood Education Improvement is accepting public comments through the close of business this afternoon.
Children’s advocates are troubled by the fact the draft report would narrow the financial eligibility for NC Pre-K.
Action for Children NC notes several other flaws in the Republican push to privatize the early childhood program. Specifically they object to the:
• Loss of local decision-making authority;
• Fewer slots as a result of higher reimbursement rates for private providers;
• Lack of capacity in rural areas;
• Loss of connection between NC Pre-K and school system.
The Covenant with North Carolina’s Children also criticized the committee’s plans in an op-ed in today’s News & Observer.
You can read the full legislative proposal here. And then send comments (again, by close of business today) to co-chairs Representatives Justin Burr and Rayne Brown.
Expect a large crowd when the House Select Committee meets Thursday morning at 9:00am in Room 643 of the Legislative Office Building.