...Wait a second. The universal Pre-K is not public and free, like K-12 is? Or, am I wrong in assuming that K-12 doesn't have a sliding scale tuition for public schools around here?

Testing for 4 yo?

Instead of recess (which works)?

Really?

Are you kidding?

The devil will be in the details, but the concept is brilliant. This will do especially good work in low-income neighborhoods, both preparing children for school and helping their parents get back to work. Ideally the positive impacts would reverberate up the school system. I'm all for this.

I'm glad they're doing this incrementally. Generally, it looks like a pretty well thought out program.

It is hard to come up with enough space for thousands of new preschool students, and hard to rapidly hire hundreds of good quality teachers. Better to grow the program over time, taking the time necessary to hire quality teachers.

@4: Same here, although I hope not only for a card but also for more informed people taking part in our system of self-governance, regardless of their parents' abilities and inclination to hold them back.

@4 and @6 your social security checks will be your thank you cards.

@7: Yeah, I don't actually care much about the thank-you card. Not at all, really. Just having better-informed people around me, particularly as I get older, is good reason to pay to educate other people's children.

This is a really brilliantly done plan. I love it.

Wow, all-day preschool (6 hrs a day, 5 days a week, 180 days a year) for all those kiddos. Maybe parents of young children will be able to live in the city now.

My goodness, that photo is a piece of art

My sister in Hawaii is facing the possibility of paying $900 per month (over $10,000 / year)... for pre-school. She's applying for financial aid for pre-school.

I would be happy to pay a measly $43.32/year to ensure that we have a smarter, more well-education populace.... rather than facing the lion's maw of the capitalist/extractivist "private profit" education industries waiting to grind up my child.

@1: You generally have to pay for 'full-day' (same hours as grades 1-5) Kindergarten in Seattle Public Schools, although some schools have worked out ways to reduce/eliminate the cost. The state only pays for half days.

http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2…

Not so fast.

Look, early education is great. BUT, where will all these children be educated? Seattle Schools has NO room at the inn. This idea - that the Mayor and Burgess keep pushing - is that there's room "somewhere" and SPS is building right now. Yes, building for K-12 students.

Most Seattle schools have portables (some of them "portable villages). Most have lost an art or music room.

As well, understand that Obama wants to create a seamless data line of kids from pre-school to about age 20. Every bit of their school data - from living status, discipline records, teachers notes, etc. - all in one place.

This City plan includes that data sharing and assessments.

Be careful of the details.