The EVSC Board of School trustees tonight approved a weekly tuition increase for one of its three Early Childhood Education programs, which is currently self-funded. Costs for operating the fee-based early childhood programs — Little Husky World at Scott School; Little Panther World at Daniel Wertz, and Little Bulldog World at Dexter — have increased due to licensing and accreditation requirements, and are causing the program to run at a deficit.
These programs are designed for working families who need Pre-K classes combined with childcare. They are open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday during the school year — serving 3 and 4 year olds.
All of the EVSC pre-school sites are now licensed by the state of Indiana; are either accredited or awaiting accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAYEC); and are rated a Level 3 or 4 on Paths to Quality.
The EVSC’s current rate of $130.00 per week is the lowest in the area as compared to other Level 4 Pre-K establishments. EVSC records indicate that there has not been a rate increase in the fee-based early childhood program in the past five years.
The board approve an increase to $160.00 per week for new enrollees. For returning students, the increase would raise to $145.00 next year; and EVSC employees fee would continue at $130.00 per week.
The other two Early Childhood programs — Title 1 supported Pre-K classes and the state’s pilot On My Way Pre-K — will remain free for qualifying families.
Enrollment is now taking place for all of the programs. Deadline for enrollment for the state pilot – On My Way Pre-K is April 30. For information, please call 812-435-8219.
