Expand Preschool Programs

While many Head Start programs in Los Angeles currently partner with Los Angeles Unified School District elementary schools for the purpose of transitioning children into kindergarten classes, our two programs otherwise rarely collaborate. I applaud Roger Rasmussen’s recommendation (“Begin by Teaching Kids English in Preschool,” Commentary, Aug. 30) that “we think outside of the box.” Though Head Start programs face a similar shortage of facilities, funding is available to expand our programs, including monies for the purchase of portable classrooms. In addition, all Head Start expansion proposals must include provisions for full-day, full-year preschool services.

This may be the perfect opportunity for both Head Start and LAUSD to pool resources and facilities to develop new early education and care programs. Partnerships between the district and Head Start programs might include: Head Start-owned portable classrooms located on district-owned school sites; seamless full-day, full-year preschool classes provided by district and Head Start personnel in the same classroom; and collaborative Head Start and adult literacy programs housed on district high school and community adult school campuses. Such partnerships would also meet the increased child care needs of parents who are transitioning from welfare to work.

ALAN GUTTMAN

Head Start Project Director

Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment, Los Angeles

* Rasmussen suggests we think “outside the box” to find funding to enable every child to have a year of English preschool prior to entering kindergarten. Let California do as the state of Georgia is doing--use the educational share of the state lottery to fund one year of preschool before kindergarten for every child. It would be wonderful to be able to see, feel and touch some tangible evidence that the state lottery money is benefitting California’s children.

An initiative is called for.

GARTH “BIXXO” BISHOP

Los Angeles