Isaac Parker, Tulsa (7/10/2009 4:55:58 AM)

TPS should be more concerned that kids actually stay in school long enough to earn a high school diploma.

emotional_sting, tulsa - (7/10/2009 8:18:23 AM)

"school" for 3 year old kids?
i had the notion that stimulus dollars were
intended to... stimulate the economy rather
than provide a free daycare for little kids.
what exactly would a school teach 3yo kids?
dog? cat? spongebob squarepants?

i'm guessing it would make perfect sense to
a socialist.

ducatista, Tulsa (7/10/2009 8:26:02 AM)

This is a much-needed step in the right direction-research shows that the achievement gap will never be closed unless we provide students with the language and social skills that enable them to learn. Kids who do not have the advantage of books in the home, being read to, and hearing an extended vocabulary start their public school experience already behind, and early chilhood programs will go a long way toward helping students succeed early, so they may actually stay in school.

no1special, (7/10/2009 8:44:02 AM)

Isaac, statistics show that children who start school early like when they are 3, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, will stay in school longer and accomplish more. This program will help them stay on track and get a high school diploma. It is called long term and preventative thinking. emotional- If you do not think that this will stimulate the economy with jobs, you know nothing of early childhood education. It is not daycare, and chances are that most of the kids already receive some kind of assistance for care so that their parents can work and stay off welfare. You can teach 3 year olds any number of things, like the difference between a socialist and socialism. I am pretty sure that the police and fire departments make perfect sense to people who understand this program as well. Looks like TPS is really going after some great programs. Keep up the good work.

tulsan09, Tulsa (7/10/2009 9:13:52 AM)

While I am not against this program, I can't understand why we're adding programs when we can't fully fund 4 yo programs.

grizz, tulsa (7/10/2009 10:37:59 AM)

Schooling for a 3 year old is a bit off the deep end. For sanity's sake, let kids be kids. It is the only time they are able to use their imagination. They have the rest of their lives to succumb to restrictions.

mamafrog, (7/10/2009 11:28:47 AM)

I am impressed with Dr. Ballard. Finally we have a superintendant who is interested in the students and not his own ego.

kyote, (7/10/2009 12:32:41 PM)

I agree with several others here. 3 years old is way to young to be in school. Our school system was not ment to be a day care. Programs like this are why there is money shortage is schools. The parents are responsibile for children until they reach school age a5 or 6 years. This is just another waste of mr oblivious stimulus money. Keep the 3 year olds at home and let the parents educate them not me.

Better Than, Tulsa (7/10/2009 12:41:52 PM)

I said I would never say another word about government spending money on poor children or any other child since they dumped money into the automotive industry and banking industry..

Ayo, T-Town (7/10/2009 1:23:05 PM)

I hope we get this program, and use it for children from disadvantaged homes. Those children are typically behind by the time they start kindergarten.

What can you teach a 3 y/o? My daughter, at 3 knew her ABC's, was beginning to read, and could count to 20 in English and Spanish.

Ayo, T-Town (7/10/2009 1:24:09 PM)

Oh, I want to add, I wouldn't have wanted my daughter away from me and in school at 3. I still think it's good for some children.

What the ?, Tulsa (7/10/2009 3:24:11 PM)

Parents should be teaching their children the ABC's and how to count at age 3, not funded-programs. Spend some time with your kids and not send them off to school so young. If there is money out there available, then use it on the programs already established and in need of help.

eas, (7/10/2009 4:03:31 PM)

I agree that parents should be the ones giving their children their early education. But (big but here), many are incapable or unwilling to do it. I wish I could remember the name of the big Head Start study that they did up in Chicago. They followed many of the children for something like 20 years and concluded that children involved in these early childhood education programs were much more likely to finish school, go on for further education, stay out of jail (and the list goes on).
These kids were low-income kids and it was a huge benefit to them. In general (I didn't see it addressed in the article), programs for 3&4 year olds are not mandatory so no one will be forced into these programs. TPS is an urban school district with urban problems and one way to reduce dropouts is to make sure that the children that do come to school are prepared to be there.

missy,,,m, no thanks (7/10/2009 9:28:18 PM)

yep got one thing to say,ya cant even be a baby anymore....burn them out before they get started so about the 4th or 5th grade they can want to quit.

missy,,,m, no thanks (7/10/2009 9:30:28 PM)

someone just wants a babysitter,people dont stay at home and take care of the kids anymore they both have to work,thats sad cause who has to deal with most of this?well its the poor baby and later down the road we can all deal with it.

Arbythree, Tulsa (7/11/2009 12:44:22 PM)

Model citizens hopefully.

Arbythree, Tulsa (7/11/2009 12:47:00 PM)

Model trains then?

Arbythree, Tulsa (7/11/2009 12:55:48 PM)

Thank you Rooster. We aims to please. The Happy Hour Show is much better though.

I care about kids, (7/14/2009 12:05:10 AM)

Dear Responsible Parent -- I totally agree with you -- and yet, as a teacher, I can tell you that parents aren't able to do the jobs that were done in the 1950's. I'm glad that you are taking the time to teach your children about their colors, numbers, how to count to 20, how to hold a crayon, and about their shapes before they enter Kindergarten. Unfortunately, we have so many kids that come to us that don't know any of these things. We have kids that have never heard a story before -- that's right -- the parents don't read to them at night. We have kids who know how to play video games -- but don't know how to hold a crayon or pencil to write, or draw, or just color. You probably don't believe this -- but the majority of the children that are coming to us are NOT ready for school -- not like they were even 15 years ago.

So, unfortunately, programs like a 3-year-old type of program are needed. They are also helpful for students who do not grow up with an English-speaking home. And no, this isn't about immigration -- I've seen children before who don't speak English in their homes -- they speak Cherokee -- or Creek -- or Navajo. As a teacher, I say "Thank you" for all you do for your children -- just know that other parents are unable (and yes, sometimes, unwilling) to do the same.

human1, Cast your fate to the wind (7/14/2009 12:40:18 AM)

Many of these children are already in state funded private before and after care programs.
Children whose parents work require care.

The pre-k programs helps children, even those that are not low income. They learn many skills. I hope some of the funds are also used for the 4-year old program.