ARIZONA NEWS

Preschools set kids up for success but access is limited in Arizona

Apr 3, 2023, 4:35 AM

PHOENIX — Research shows preschool provides many benefits to children, but access to high quality preschool programs is limited in Arizona.

“Students that are coming into kindergarten that don’t have the preschool background, they’re already behind,” Rebecca Posey, principal at Sheely Farms Elementary School in Phoenix, told KTAR News 92.3FM.

Her school currently offers three preschool classrooms, with a fourth one being added next school year.

She said students are taught to recognize letters, shapes and numbers. They also learn social skills, such as how to interact and get along with other students.

“They’re learning those foundational skills that set them up for success academically when entering kindergarten,” she said.

Children who are enrolled in quality child care and preschool programs develop critical skills and abilities, such as motivation, self-control, focus and self-esteem. That’s according to First Things First, which funds early education and health programs for young children in Arizona.

Despite all the benefits, the latest data shows only 21% of children in Arizona ages 3 and 4 are in preschool and other quality learning settings. That’s far from the statewide goal of 45%, according to Education Forward Arizona, which points to the economic benefits of early learning.

The education advocacy group cites multiple studies that show investing in quality early learning generates a return on investment of $7 to $8 for every $1 invested.

Lupita Hightower, superintendent of the Tolleson Elementary School District, said limited access to funding is one reason why there aren’t more toddlers enrolled in preschool.

“Every year we have to go and try to find funds for preschool, because we do know how critical instruction is,” she said.

Hightower explained there isn’t as much funding for preschool as there is for K-12, though several initiatives and grant programs are available.

Finding preschool teachers is also a constant struggle, which Hightower noted limits how many students her district can serve.

“The goal for us would be to have 300 preschool students, and that’s not the case right now,” she said.

Hightower’s district is working to change that through a “Grow Your Own” partnership with Northern Arizona University. This allows anyone interested in becoming a teacher a chance to pursue an NAU degree tuition-free.

Tanya Elias is part of the program right now. She has been helping in the classroom as a paraprofessional for more than two decades.

“I really wanted to be a teacher, but finances just wouldn’t allow me to go pay ahead of time,” Elias said, explaining why she hadn’t pursued a teaching degree. “And with this program, it’s all paid for upfront.”

She’s three years away from earning her teaching degree but is already in front of the classroom.

“I love it. It’s fun. The love I get every day from the kids is great,” she said. “What I’m teaching them is working. It’s coming along very well.”

But even with programs like these, finding preschool teachers to hire can be difficult.

Christina Peoples is a preschool teacher at Desert Oasis Elementary School. Next door to her is an empty preschool classroom that couldn’t open this school year because the district couldn’t find a teacher to hire.

“We have an empty classroom with beautiful furniture that’s ready to be filled,” Peoples said. “And parents are ready to bring their kids.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Valley events calendar...

KTAR.com

Valley events calendar: Here’s a rundown of things to do around metro Phoenix

Our Valley events calendar keeps you up to date on the wide variety of activities across the Phoenix area.

30 minutes ago

The evacuation order for the Brady Fire was lifte on Wednesday....

KTAR.com

Evacuation order lifted for residents near Brady Fire south of Prescott

The evacuation order for a community threatened by the Brady Fire south of Prescott was lifted on Wednesday evening, authorities said.

2 hours ago

off-road vehicle crash...

Kevin Stone

2nd teen in off-road vehicle crash at Phoenix canal has died

The second teen involved in an off-road vehicle crash at a Phoenix canal last week has died, authorities announced Wednesday.

3 hours ago

Two men were injured on Wednesday night when a suspect opened fire at a group of unsheltered people...

Kevin Stone

Suspect opens fire at unsheltered people at Tempe park, injuring 3

Three people were injured on Wednesday night when a suspect opened fire at a group of unsheltered people in Tempe, authorities said.

3 hours ago

A confiscated firearm is seen sitting on a table at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Feb...

Serena O'Sullivan

Phoenix Sky Harbor hopes to cut down on amount of firearms in security checkpoints this year

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport officials are trying to educate passengers on how to at properly travel with firearms.

5 hours ago

The Phoenix Zoo announced a new habitat 'Big Cats of Arizona: A Bridge to Arizona Wilderness' will ...

Bailey Leasure

Big cats of Arizona habitat set to open at Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo announced a new habitat 'Big Cats of Arizona: A Bridge to Arizona Wilderness' will be opening at the zoo in April. 

5 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

The UPS Store

How The UPS Store is giving back to the community

PHOENIX -- As 2024 nears a close, The UPS Store is looking to give back to the Arizona community with the holiday season approaching.

...

Sanderson Ford

Sanderson Ford’s Operation Santa Claus: Spreading holiday cheer through pickleball

Phoenix, AZ – Sanderson Ford, a staple in the Arizona community, is once again gearing up for its annual Operation Santa Claus charity drive.

...

Schwartz Laser Eye Center

Don’t miss the action with this game-changing procedure

PHOENIX -- The clear lens exchange procedure has emerged as a popular alternative to LASIK eye surgery.

Preschools set kids up for success but access is limited in Arizona