Chalkbeat

Education news. In context.

Chalkbeat

Early Childhood

Examining the push to get kids starting school strong.

Top Tier

Colorado
February 26, 2019

It’s good to be a baby in Colorado, new report shows

Colorado received top marks in a new state-by-state report on the best and worst places to be a baby or toddler.

Early education

Tennessee
February 22, 2019

Is Tennessee moving its weakest teachers to early, non-tested grades? New research says yes.

Low-performing teachers in grades 3 through 5 are more likely to be reassigned to non-tested early grades than their more effective peers.

early childhood discipline

Colorado
February 21, 2019

New Colorado bill aims to keep young students in school — even after they misbehave

Colorado lawmakers have proposed legislation to limit suspensions of young children — the latest push in a four-year effort to pass early childhood discipline reform.

Preschool math

Chicago
February 20, 2019

Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker plows $100 million more into early ed — but no universal preschool this year

“Investing in early childhood is the single most important education policy decision government can make," Pritzker said Wednesday.

Planning mode

Colorado
February 14, 2019

As lawmakers consider major preschool expansion, Colorado providers want more than just extra seats

With Gov. Jared Polis’ plan to expand Colorado’s state-funded preschool program, many early childhood educators are hoping for more flexibility along with new slots.

Race for mayor

Chicago
February 11, 2019

How to help Chicago’s younger learners? Mayoral frontrunners skip a chance to say.

Chicago is in the first year of a four-year universal pre-kindergarten rollout, and the city’s next mayor will determine much of the fate of the program.

early childhood

Indiana
February 8, 2019

As pre-K expands in Indiana, slow sign-ups lead to millions in leftover state funding

Expanding On My Way Pre-K has been slower than hoped, Indiana officials said, in part due to the challenge of introducing the new program in rural counties.

Strike looming

Colorado
February 7, 2019

Denver’s district-run preschools could be closed next week. We have answers to your questions.

Here are more details about preschool cancellations in Denver if district teachers go on strike next week.

Windfall

Detroit
February 7, 2019

Universal pre-K for Detroit? Affordable child care? How Michigan could spend new federal funds

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan quickly identified that money as a way to pay for the universal pre-K system he envisions for Detroit but other advocates say the money should be used to help parents afford child care so they can work or go to school.

Strike impact

Colorado
February 6, 2019

No school for district preschool students if Denver teachers strike

If Denver teachers strike next week, classes will be canceled for about 5,000 preschoolers who attend district schools.

city hall watch

Chicago
February 6, 2019

Why Rahm Emanuel’s rollout of universal pre-K has Chicago preschool providers worried

Rahm Emanuel’s big-budget, top-down expansion of public preschool has provoked high anxiety among community providers.

Looking ahead

Chicago
February 5, 2019

Here’s what advocates want J.B. Pritzker to do for the state’s youngest learners

Before Illinois can embark on universal pre-K, it needs to shore up its early childhood system, which has eroded with program cuts and low participation.
National
February 5, 2019

The Starting Line: Can governors deliver on their early childhood campaign promises?

Welcome to February! Over the last month, we’ve seen a crop of new governors with grand plans for early childhood education.

Tax Credits

Colorado
February 1, 2019

Seeking a pay bump for early childhood teachers, Colorado advocates look to the tax code

A tax credit for early childhood teachers is one of three pieces of early childhood tax legislation under consideration in Colorado this year.

Preschool Plans

Colorado
January 31, 2019

Following on his full-day kindergarten pitch, Colorado Gov. Polis highlights plans for 8,000 new preschool slots

After weeks of focusing on full-day kindergarten, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis spoke about his plans to create 8,000 new preschool slots by next fall.