Policy Update for this week

The Success and Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools HB 10 will come to a full vote in the House on May 5th. See last week's post for details.

In the committee hearing on the Child Care Development Block Grant, on March 25, Chair Todd Rokita (R-IN) closed the hearing by saying that reauthorization of this bill "provides an opportunity to work together to advance bipartisan legislation that will help our nations' most vulnerable children and families." He went on to say that the committee is looking forward "to examining the strengths and weaknesses of CCDBG program and discussing opportunities for consensus."

NYC has been provided with $300 million to provide 53,000 new spaces for pre-school for children and families who qualify based on income. A major marketing campaign has been designed to reach these families with hopes to enroll children by the April 23 deadline.

The state legislature in IN has just allocated $10 million for a pilot program to provide pre-school in five counties. Unlike initiatives in some states, such at CT and CA, this bill specifically protects parental choice by allowing for a mixed delivery system (both private and public programs can receive funds to serve children) and diversity in pedagogy.

On April 3, the LA House voted by 94-0 to "expand the Montessori approach to high schools." This is House bill 180. We're not sure of the details right now but if you have information, please help us understand the implementation of this bill.

We would like to congratulate the Montessori Council of  CA and the Montessori Schools of CT for the amazing work they are doing in support of Montessori education in their states. Both state legislatures have proposed initiatives which would have a significant negative impact not only on Montessori schools, but all private programs in each state. By collaborating with other organizations in their states, developing clear action plans, and making legislators aware of the impacts of these initiatives on parent choice and diversity of programming, they are making their voices heard. We'll keep you posted. Great work, Montessorians!

If you are aware of legislation in your state that might have an impact on our community, please be in touch through the List Serve, by emailing us at montforward@gmail.com, or leaving your comments here.

Montessori Forward