The Impact of Universal Pre-K on Child Care Providers in FWISD 2014
A Closer Look: Providers at Risk Reporting Likely to Close with Decreased Pre-K Enrollment 12 child care programs (6 centers and 6 homes) reported that they would be likely or very likely to close if they experienced a significant reduction in pre-k enrollment. While their response to this question does not necessarily prove that they are more at risk of closing than other more optimistic programs, their answer directly reflects their overall concern with their economic stability. Taking a closer look at these programs illuminates some of the problems they face that make them more concerned than other child care programs and provides insights into what might help these and other agencies increase their confidence in their abilities to adapt to their changing environment. Though they may or may not actually be at increased risk for closure, for the purposes of discussion, they are referred to as “at risk” programs. Most of the 12 at risk programs in this survey are well-established (10 years or more in operation) and have extended hours (many 24-hours or until midnight) and lower than average tuition rates at or below $100 per week (70%). All provide care to children ages 18 months through 4 years and after-school care for kindergarten and above. 50% provide after-school care for pre-k and 75% provide infant care. 83% accept CCMS. They are no more or less aware or prepared for universal pre-k expansion than the rest of survey respondents, but many of these programs have already felt the pressure of public pre-k on their enrollment. Though representing only 19% of survey respondents, this group accounts for 28% of the total enrollment losses to universal pre-k in 2014. That said, those providing pre-k after-school programs account for 30% of the overall enrollment total. Providers in this group predict or have experienced a wide variety of impacts on program costs and financial stability, but overall report maintaining the quality of their programs. These “at risk” providers are more interested than their peers in the possible assistance Camp Fire could provide in information sharing and then help identifying impacts and developing solutions to mitigate the losses caused by universal pre-k. By their report, areas of greatest help to these providers include advocacy on their behalf, updates on FWISD pre-k expansion plans, and assistance developing solutions to minimize the impact of universal pre-k.
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