Missouri pre-schools may be eligible for additional subsidies for participating in a new initiative.
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Missouri pre-schools may be eligible for additional subsidies for participating in a new initiative.

Date: February 10, 2009
By: Chance Seales
State Capitol Bureau
Links: SB 4

Intro: A new way for parents to judge which preschool to send their kids to was discussed in a Senate Hearing Tuesday. 

Chance Seales (SEALS) reports from Jefferson City.

RunTime:0:56
OutCue: SOC

A ranking system for state licensed pre-schools is under consideration in the Senate Health Committee.

The scale is designed to help Missouri parents select childcare facilities.

However, St. Louis County Senator Jane Cunningham objected to leaving out religious-run schools and other license-exempt organizations.

Actuality:  CUNNIN2.WAV
Run Time: 00:07
Description: I'm uncomfortable with government saying our stamp of approval is on just one. And maybe one that some would not submit themselves to.

Cunningham also suggested using different ranking systems for license-exempt pre-schools, like religious schools, that would like to participate in the program.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Chance Seales

Intro: A Missouri Senate committee is urged to adopt new standards for preschools.

Chance Seales (SEALS) reports from Jefferson City.

RunTime:
OutCue: SOC The Senate's top Leader Charlie Shields called for Missouri's preschools to be rated on a Quality Rating Scale. If the measure passes, State-licensed preschools that choose to take part in the program would be assigned a five-point rating. Key witness and child-care expert from the University of Missouri Kathy Thornburg told the committee that the lack of trained employees in Missouri's preschools is reason for the system.
Actuality:  THORNB1.WAV
Run Time: 00:08
Description: You have to have no clocked hours of training and absolutely no formal education.  And I think that is really the reason we need a QRS.
 
Several committee members voiced concern about excluding non-state-licensed preschools, including faith-based programs. 
 
Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Chance Seales