SPECIAL REPORT: The status of Decorah preschool programs and the impact of legislative funding

One of the hot topics in the Iowa Legislature is the funding of statewide preschool programs. Many have called for the elimination of state funding, and others advocate for the continuation of commitments that have been made to districts across the state. But what is the Decorah status in that funding stream and debate?

The current year is the first year that Decorah has been part of the preschool funding, and that funding is only at 39 percent of full program funding. Prior legislative commitments have put Decorah "in stream" for 100 percent funding for next school year. That would increase district funding from approximately $187,000 to $358,000. Currently there are about 110 four year old preschool participants who pay $50 for enrollment in the 12 hour per week preschool. Full funding would result in the elimination of that fee and expand the accessibility of programs.  Rick Varney, Principal/Administrator of John Cline Elementary and West Side Early Childhood Center, says there is a range of childcare beyond and around the 12 hour preschool, and that about 50 percent of the students participate in some type of "wrap around services."

The Decorah preschool program is a venture of six "collaborative partners," that includes Nisse Preschool, Sunflower Childcare, Northeast Iowa Montessori, St. Benedict's School, Kinderhouse, and Northeast Iowa Community Action – in addition to two preschool classes at West Side School. Each of these sites complies with a 10 to 1 student/teacher ratio, follows established preschool guidelines and has a certified preschool teacher.   Varney, who coordinates the efforts, says the venture has "really brought the preschools together" while still allowing for the distinct identity of each school.

Varney feels that the impact of the district coordinated and state funded preschool program has been to "equal out the playing field" in terms of access and affordability, and that it has "absolutely served the populations that needed access," specifically the lower and middle income families.

Varney adds that the district will very soon  make information available regarding  the preschool program for next year as if the full funding would happen, acknowledging that they will need to add some disclaimers to the information presented to parents. The possible funding scenarios include:

•    What Varney defines as the worst case scenario of no funding, and the elimination of any state funded program – leaving any existing programs to operate at full operating costs and charges to participants.
•    Some level of funding, such as this year, which would subsidize the cost at a level consistent with funding and participation.
•    Full funding in which fees would be virtually eliminated.

It should be noted that the legislative funding debate regarding preschool does not factor into the discussion of "allowable growth" for k-12 funding. Neither does it relate to the existing, federally funded, Head Start program that serves about 17 students.