Jonetta Rose Barras, The Examiner
2008-01-03 08:00:00.0
Current rank: Not ranked

WASHINGTON -

Former Mayor Anthony A. Williams mentioned it in his 2004 State of the District address. For years, former Ward 7 D.C. Council member Kevin Chavous, who had oversight of public education, ranted about the need for it.

There has been much yakking and little action. That may be one reason why everyone’s elated that council Chairman Vincent C. Gray actually introduced legislation last month to create a “voluntary, high-quality pre-K program” that provides “2,000 new classroom slots within six years to ensure that all unserved 3- and 4-year-olds who reside in the District have an opportunity to participate.”

Gray begins public hearings on his universal pre-K legislation today.

Already he has won endorsements from then-Mayor Williams, Verizon President Anthony Lewis, the Board of Trade, the D.C. Chamber of Commerce, most local universities — Southeastern, Georgetown, American and George Washington — and a host of education advocates.

Did I mention the bill was co-introduced by 11 other council members? Ward 6’s Tommy Wells is a co-sponsor. Currently, the District serves 56 percent of 4-year-olds, according to Pre-K Now, a national organization pushing to amend federal education law and provide incentives to states that establish pre-kindergarten programs. (Interestingly, former Ward 3 Council member Kathy Patterson is the group’s federal policy director.) While 39 states have such programs, only Oklahoma tops the District in the percentage of 4-year-olds served.

So, why does Gray want to expand services, especially when the price tag will be $48 million to fully implement the bill by 2014?

Gray says he want to enhance quality. He wants “skilled teachers” and an “approved curriculum” that meets standards established by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education. Further, he wants a concerted effort to work with parents — many of whom will be low income. The program will serve families with incomes at or below 250 percent of federal poverty guidelines.

“There will be relevant savings in special education and juvenile justice,” said Gray, dismissing criticism about costs. He’s already put money in the fiscal 2008 budget to guarantee its implementation by year’s end.

There are a few problems with Gray’s bill: It requires that only the lead teacher possess a degree in child development, early childhood education or child and family support. The assistant teacher needs only a current child development associate credential with a preschool endorsement. And, it needlessly apportions the slots among public schools, charter schools and community organizations.

Still, Gray’s goals are admirable. Even if only 10 percent of the 2,000 children targeted by the legislation gain a solid foundation before they enter elementary school, then it’s worth the investment. After all, we may have allowed as much as $40 million to walk out the door of the city’s tax office, finding its way to Neiman Marcus and various casinos. Surely, we can give that much to our children.