Chalkbeat

Education news. In context.

Chalkbeat

Indiana

Early Childhood

Examining the push to get kids starting school strong.

early childhood

Indiana
February 8, 2019

As pre-K expands in Indiana, slow sign-ups lead to millions in leftover state funding

Expanding On My Way Pre-K has been slower than hoped, Indiana officials said, in part due to the challenge of introducing the new program in rural counties.

Strike looming

Colorado
February 7, 2019

Denver’s district-run preschools could be closed next week. We have answers to your questions.

Here are more details about preschool cancellations in Denver if district teachers go on strike next week.

Windfall

Detroit
February 7, 2019

Universal pre-K for Detroit? Affordable child care? How Michigan could spend new federal funds

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan quickly identified that money as a way to pay for the universal pre-K system he envisions for Detroit but other advocates say the money should be used to help parents afford child care so they can work or go to school.

Strike impact

Colorado
February 6, 2019

No school for district preschool students if Denver teachers strike

If Denver teachers strike next week, classes will be canceled for about 5,000 preschoolers who attend district schools.

city hall watch

Chicago
February 6, 2019

Why Rahm Emanuel’s rollout of universal pre-K has Chicago preschool providers worried

Rahm Emanuel’s big-budget, top-down expansion of public preschool has provoked high anxiety among community providers.

Looking ahead

Chicago
February 5, 2019

Here’s what advocates want J.B. Pritzker to do for the state’s youngest learners

Before Illinois can embark on universal pre-K, it needs to shore up its early childhood system, which has eroded with program cuts and low participation.
National
February 5, 2019

The Starting Line: Can governors deliver on their early childhood campaign promises?

Welcome to February! Over the last month, we’ve seen a crop of new governors with grand plans for early childhood education.

Tax Credits

Colorado
February 1, 2019

Seeking a pay bump for early childhood teachers, Colorado advocates look to the tax code

A tax credit for early childhood teachers is one of three pieces of early childhood tax legislation under consideration in Colorado this year.

Preschool Plans

Colorado
January 31, 2019

Following on his full-day kindergarten pitch, Colorado Gov. Polis highlights plans for 8,000 new preschool slots

After weeks of focusing on full-day kindergarten, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis spoke about his plans to create 8,000 new preschool slots by next fall.

a plan emerges

New York
January 28, 2019

New York City officials aim to eliminate childhood lead exposure by 2029

De Blasio’s plan does not, though, include any specific education-related steps for children dealing with the lasting effects of lead exposure in school.

Early education

Tennessee
January 25, 2019

Pre-K money could be diverted to other needs under Tennessee lawmaker’s bill

Rep. Bill Dunn of Knoxville wants local flexibility to shift pre-K dollars to other early childhood education needs.

early edge

National
January 24, 2019

Kindergarten classes are getting more academic. New research says the kids are all right.

Kindergarten isn’t what it used to be — and that might not be a bad thing.

hot off the presses

Detroit
January 23, 2019

A silver medal for Detroit pre-K. Now where are the kids?

Detroit has earned a silver rating, the second-highest possible, in a national ranking of urban preschool programs published Wednesday. But the report by…

Making the grade

New York
January 23, 2019

New York City gets a gold medal for pre-K quality and access, new report finds

New York City’s pre-K program earns high marks when it comes to quality and access, according to a new report that ranks early…

Early education

Tennessee
January 23, 2019

New pre-K report gives Memphis bronze medal, Nashville gold

A new report on quality and access to early education programs across the country gives Memphis a bronze medal, mainly for providing prekindergarten…