Universal Pre-K in Comstock Public Schools

Date of Award

12-2022

Degree Name

Education Specialist

Department

Educational Leadership, Research and Technology

First Advisor

Brett Geier, Ed.D.

Second Advisor

Regena Nelson, Ed.D.

Third Advisor

LaSonja Roberts, Ph.D.

Abstract

In 1971, President Nixon vetoed legislation that would have created federal funding for the education of kids under age five. With the veto, President Nixon reaffirmed that, except for poor children, the education and care of the children is the responsibility of the family, not the government. Yet over 31 years later, 41 states and the District of Columbia provide state-funded preschool (Waxman, 2021). Preschool in the state of Michigan is not automatically provided as K-12 education is. This study examined the beliefs of staff in Comstock Public Schools regarding Universal Pre-K, tuition-free preschool for all 4-year-olds. Participants included district administrators, behavior staff, speech/language therapists, social workers, counselors, academic coaches, teachers, and third party affiliates of the District.

The results of the study suggest that district staff in Comstock Public Schools believe Universal Pre-K, preschool for all 4-year-olds, regardless of income, would be beneficial for families in the community. Staff feel that families should have access to Universal Pre-K and there is a need in the population served. District staff were divided when asked if they believed all families with 4-year-olds would participate if Universal Pre-K were offered. It is the hope of the study that continued conversations can move legislation toward Universal Pre-K to provide early education for all students.

Access Setting

Dissertation-Abstract Only

Restricted to Campus until

12-1-2024

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