"LATE PASS" THE NEW CONNECTICUT KINDERGARTEN LAW IS BREAKING THE BANKS OF PARENTS

Almost Does Not Count The first first day of school is an exciting day in the life of children and parents across Connecticut. Leaving pre-school to enter kindergarten is a magically highlight on the journey through grade school and beyond for a child. As for Connecticut parents who pay the highest in country for childcare, it is a day that the hefty bill of day care vanishes as their child is enrolled in school for the daytime hours. However, with the new CT law requiring students to turn 5 years old prior to Sept 1st have left thousands of parents left to foot the enormous bill for 1 more year. Why was this change made and what can parents do to still enroll their almost 5 year old in school in Connecticut? 4 the lonliest number The new law is straight forward. All students must be five years old by September 1st to qualify for enrollment. Prior to this change students had to turn five years old by Jan 1st. Connecticut Education Association President Kate Dias was quoted in an article by Fox 61 News reporter Brooke Griffin- “ We were watching as young kids were coming in woefully underprepared, sometimes not even potty trained, yet we are expecting them to read and write” , said Dias. Only seven states allowed four year olds to begin kindergarten. The change in Connecticut is meant to tackle the issues of Large Classroom sizes Learning gap between ages Social gap between ages The age gap itself Maturity level What can parents do to send their 4 year old anyways? Exceptions can be made for students who turn five years old after Sept 1st , but prior to Dec 30th. Parents can submit a waver or letter to request early admission. The process includes the following Written request An assessment of child’s development Input from Preschool/daycare providers A family discussion In the meantime, what does this mean for you the parent? ” Pay ” Care in Connecticut According to Americanprogress.org Connecticut is the 3rd most expensive state to raise a child and the most expensive for childcare overall. 1 more year for a four year old to attend a daycare could reach upwards of $14,000. Big Cost for Childcare What can parents do who are being forced to foot the bill 1 more year? Childcareforct.org is an organization working towards high quality childcare that parents can afford. Follow them for more information on improving the quality and affordability of childcare in Connecticut and the Brass City. Also, contact 211 for more options. Article by D.M. Livingston- Public Writer/Citizen Journalist from Waterbury CT- follow @waterburytimes- Facebook D.M. Livingston 08/25/2024 announcement, community.