Proposed Pre-K expansion pleases some

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Reaction is coming to Alabama Governor Robert Bentley's call for voluntary Pre-Kindergarten programs to be expanded in the state.

INCREASED FUNDING

During Tuesday's State of the State speech, Governor Bentley called for increased funding and expansion of voluntary Pre-Kindergarten programs.

We reached out to parents and grandparents to give us their thoughts. FOX10 News wanted to know what you think of Pre-K programs.

WHAT DO YOU THINK

Cindy Ritchie has twin grandsons. Does she think expanding Pre-Kindergarten programs is a good idea?  

Ritchie said, "Oh, absolutely. Readiness for first grade is a necessary step. It helps in their development, (and with) special skills. Oh, absolutely."

Allison Leggett has two children and also thinks expanding Pre-K is important.

She said, "My nephew went, and he learned a lot. He went into kindergarten knowing more than what they normally do."

COMPETITION FOR SPACE

In fact, Leggett said she tried to get one of her sons into Pre-K at her neighborhood school.

She said, "We actually applied for him, but he didn't get in."

Leggett said there's a lot of competition to get in.

She said, "There were tons of kids. We live in Citronelle, McDavid Jones (Elementary School), and there were tons of kids. And he got put on the waiting list."

WHAT EXISTS NOW IN MOBILE?

On its website, the Mobile County Public School System said approximately 450 children are currently served in Pre-Kindergarten units.

There is also a program called the "Just 4 Developmental Laboratory," which is an early childhood center providing services to approximately 324 at-risk four-year-olds.

As for how much it would cost the school system, and you the taxpayer, for Governor Bentley’s expanded Pre-K programs, Mobile School System officials said they're studying the issue. 

DIGGING UP INFORMATION ON YOUR OWN?

More information on Pre-Kindergarten programs in Mobile County Public Schools is available here.