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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Utah Taxpayers Association President and state Senator Howard Stephenson is suggesting an alternative to public preschools.
He suggests the state spend up to seven (M)million dollars 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.
The Draper Republican, who last session pushed for vouchers to help students get private tutoring for state exit exams, said his proposal is a cheaper, more family-friendly alternative to publicly funded preschools.
Governor Jon Huntsman has proposed optional, full-day kindergarten programs for low-income children.
Stephenson said his bill is not aimed at competing with the governor's initiative, which he opposes.
The governor's office declined to comment on Stephenson's proposal.
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Information from: Deseret Morning News
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
