Preschool alternative proposed

A Utah senator has an answer for the national push for public preschool: Pay instead to keep early childhood education in the hands of parents, and give them the know-how to do it well.

Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, wants the state to spend up to $7 million to train a team of specialists to give parents, preschools and day-care centers the tools they need to make sure children are ready for kindergarten.

The specialists would reach out to all families and help those who are disadvantaged due to income or limited English skills understand how to access available services, including Head Start preschool programs.

Stephenson says his is a cheaper, more family-friendly alternative to publicly funded preschools. He has requested a bill to forward the proposal in the 2007 Legislature, but legislation could come to the Education Interim Committee as early as October, he said.

"We don't intend to provide state-funded (preschool) programs; what we intend is to support parents in decisions they've already made and empower them to prepare their children for kindergarten," said Stephenson, co-chairman of the Education Appropriations Subcommittee.

The proposal is being fleshed out with other groups, including child care and preschool providers, the Department of Workforce Services and the State Office of Education. The State Board of Education next month is expected to receive details on the proposal for input, state curriculum director Brett Moulding said.

The concept of better preparing children for school is strikingly similar to Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s proposal targeting optional, full-day kindergarten programs for low-income children. They even would have the same price tag.

But tactics would differ. Huntsman's would target using the money for disadvantaged children, who research shows are more likely to be less prepared for school. Stephenson's seeks to benefit everyone.

Stephenson said his bill is not aimed at competing with the governor's initiative, which he opposes.

"But as far as early education goes, I think it would be interesting to compare them side by side," Stephenson said. "We have to evaluate what we expect of each and give it the best educated evaluation we can."

The governor's office would not comment on draft legislation.

"The governor strongly supports voluntary, full-day kindergarten, especially for targeted groups, specifically, Title I schools," Huntsman spokeswoman Lisa Roskelley said. "It's offering them help and another option."

Moulding believes Stephenson's proposal would complement optional full-day kindergarten programs, which also are a state school board priority.