Statehood or Parenthood

Private Vermont preschool providers have been denied a seat at the table and could find themselves out of business if current trends don't change.

During the 2006 legislative session, the State Board of Education's Ad Hoc Committee on Early Education concluded that Vermont should not follow the proposed Universal Pre-K policies, citing the high cost and lack of proven benefits for 3- & 4-year olds.

After which, the Senate Education Committee Chairman Don Collins (D-Franklin) dropped all attempts to pass S.132, the early childhood education bill. Instead, in a bizarre move, the Senate Education Committee introduced yet another bill, S.314, requiring still another study on the same subject.

Interestingly enough Vermont private preschool providers, who care for approximately 22,000 children in Vermont, have no voice in this debate. Senator Wendy Wilton (R-Rutland) is well versed in what’s at stake, in the universal preschool debate. The senator asked and was denied the right to serve on the Ad Hoc Committee, in favor of more supportive members.

More Vermont U-Pre-K

• Universal Preschool study committee packed with pro-u-pre-k ringers


• Vermont Senate Bill 132 Alert