Chalkbeat

Education news. In context.

Chalkbeat

Colorado

Early Childhood

Examining the push to get kids starting school strong.

early intervention

Colorado
June 14, 2019

There’s an app for that: How two rural counties reached more kids with developmental delays

Two rural counties in northern Colorado came up with a software app to reach more young children with developmental delays.

deal or no deal

New York
June 13, 2019

Pre-K, school social workers in forefront of negotiations as NYC nears a budget deal

Sources briefed on budget negotiations said there was agreement to significantly reduce the number of schools that don’t have a single social worker.

Early education

Detroit
June 13, 2019

Defusing tantrums, tying laces, and changing young lives — while living under the poverty line

Spend a day in this teacher's classroom and it’s clear why some might be unwilling to take the path she has chosen.

Fresh research

Chicago
June 12, 2019

A law made it harder to expel Illinois preschoolers. But it’s been slow to catch on.

A third of providers interviewed for a new study reported inaccurate information about Illinois' law. Nearly 20% said they didn’t know the law existed.

Early Childhood

New York
June 11, 2019

As battle for higher pre-K wages continues, NYC pushes back deadline for contracts

Organizations that want to bid on New York City contracts to provide pre-K services now have until next month to submit their proposals.

Early Start

Indiana
June 11, 2019

‘Lost opportunity’: Most 4-year-olds are left out of Indiana’s preschool expansion

Whether your 3- or 4-year-old attends prekindergarten — and how good the experience is — can often largely depend on where you live and how much money you make.

First Person

Chicago
June 10, 2019

I’m a longtime education advocate. Here’s why I’m hopeful about Chicago’s next chapter.

In my time in Chicago, I certainly have not witnessed anything this broad, this inclusive, or this deliberate to make sure diverse voices in our city are heard.

Paying for pre-K

New York
June 7, 2019

City Council leaders are demanding higher pre-K wages — and it could lead to a budget showdown

It’s a shot in the arm for pay parity among the organizations who provide early childhood education to 60% of pre-schoolers in the program.

Young learners

Chicago
May 31, 2019

‘I don’t understand how it works’: Parents voice frustration during decision week for Chicago preschool

Over the course of a 1½-hour meeting Thursday, emotions ran high as parents described frustration at the system, particularly the central application.

early learning

Indiana
May 31, 2019

You don’t have to go to kindergarten in Indiana. But educators say it ‘levels the playing field’

Children in Indiana don't have to go to kindergarten, and it’s only been in recent years that the state has placed more value on this early childhood experience.

Paying for pre-K

New York
May 30, 2019

After a wave of backlash, New York City education department tweaks new pre-K and childcare contracts

Facing growing concern from providers, the New York City education department is making significant changes to new contracts for pre-K and childcare services.

Asked and answered

Chicago
May 30, 2019

Here are 12 things Chicago parents want to know about universal pre-K

Parents asked — and we answered — questions about enrollment, curricula, half-day programs, naps, and more.

Hope Starts Here

Detroit
May 29, 2019

These foundations have poured millions into Detroit childcare. They’re ready to ‘accelerate’.

A philanthropic initiative is pumping millions into childcare in Detroit — and hiring someone to accelerate the process.

raising the alarm

New York
May 22, 2019

New York City borough presidents echo demands for a do-over of pre-K, early childhood plans

The growing alarm clashes head-on with de Blasio’s praise of the city’s early childhood efforts on the campaign trail as he makes a long-shot bid for the presidency.

Changing course

Chicago
May 22, 2019

Chicago to shelve free pre-K at popular Lincoln Park magnet school

Trimming back a yearslong benefit for families in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, the Chicago school district has proposed charging parents nearly $14,000 a year.