200 children to get free preschool education through Waterford Upstart
"Things have changed a lot since we were little kids," Kim Fischer of Waterford.org said. It's why she's encouraging families to apply for the chance for free pre-school in Nebraska.
By News Channel Nebraska
NEBRASKA -- Two hundred four-year-olds from Nebraska are going to be offered a chance to get free education.
Philanthropic dollars from the TED organization are paying for Pre-K education nonprofit Waterford.org to bring its Waterford Upstart Program to Nebraska.
It offers a simple 15 minutes of reading and writing education from home per day (which can be expanded), with a coach to help build skills like how to deal with emotions. The program even offers a computer and internet, if the family cannot afford it. National Spokesperson for Waterford Kim Fischer said kids need to have these tools, like their ABCs and counting to 20, memorized before going into kindergarten in 2023.
"Early learning truly is important," she said, "Things have changed a lot since we were little kids. Children do need that basic foundation before they start kindergarten."
However, across the nation, roughly 2.2 million 4-year-olds have no access to publicly funded early education. Fischer explained there are multiple reasons: There may not be a pre-school in some rural communities; some families may not be able to afford it; there are not enough teachers, or parents may want to keep their kids with them.
"We're reaching those who wouldn't have it otherwise," Fischer said.
She noted that especially after the pandemic and through this teacher shortage, it's important to help support education.
"Our program fills those gaps that could be formed because of teacher shortages," Fischer said.
Waterford Upstart is still looking for the first 200 families to register. Those who qualify for free and reduced lunch will be prioritized, but Fischer said the program is still discerning Nebraska's needs.
"Our whole entire goal is to figure out what the needs are in the state," said Fischer.
Waterford is one of eight nonprofit organizations in the world distinguished as the 2019 TED Audacious Project. On average, 92% of the children who participate in Waterford Upstart are ready for kindergarten, as opposed to a 65% average nationwide. That number drops to 48% for children who qualify for free and reduced-price meals at school.