TUSTIN : Preschool Operation Changes to Be Aired
A plan to change the operation of Tustin’s city-run preschool has angered some parents faced with fee increases and will be placed before the City Council for discussion.
Under a city plan, an outside group will take over the city’s Community Development Program on March 1. The program serves 54 children between the ages of 3 and 5 at Lambert Elementary School.
The decision to farm out the school was made after several teachers who work as independent contractors for the city expressed interest in receiving health and other benefits they do not receive, City Manager William A. Huston said. City officials said hiring an outside group was less expensive than paying for the benefits.
The contract with Mothers at Work, a nonprofit corporation that has run a Lakewood preschool for 13 years, has already been signed, said Royleen White, director of administrative and community services.
While the contract does not require City Council approval, according to Huston, Councilman Earl J. Prescott asked that the issue be placed on the council agenda for Feb. 5 after receiving a phone call from an angry parent.
Under the old fee system, parents paid a flat $225 a month. Under the new system, they would pay $15 a day, a total of $330 for March.
City officials have met with parents to discuss the takeover and ease their concerns, White said.
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