Bright Beginnings

[K C Muffin]

There seems to be a topic on the other board about Bright Beginnings. I thought it was a Head Start program and anybody was eligible to enroll their children. But since it wasn't mandatory, most middle-to-upper class families chose to send their pre-kindergarten youngsters to private day-care programs while the lower-to-middle class used the Head Start system. When it started, I thought the whole thing was to bring underprivileged children up to the educational level of more privileged children.

That not so any more? It seems to be a rather hot topic on the other board - something about not wanting the school district to pay to educate the migrant youngsters. I understand that and all - I'm just asking for some info here - just who is the Bright Beginnings program aimed at?

[Lone Gunman]

KCM here is a description of Bright Beginnings from the USD 443 webste. My 4 year old grandson goes there this year and my son and his wife would not be considered low income.

About Bright Beginnings
The Dodge City Bright Beginnings program offers a variety of services to the district’s youngest children and their families. Four different programs fall under the Bright Beginnings heading. Those programs include: Head Start, At-Risk Four Year Old, Early Head Start and Parents as Teachers. The Bright Beginnings program serves children ages birth to five as well as their families. In 2002 the district opened the new Early Childhood Education Center. The Center provides classrooms for the majority of the program’s students. In addition a separate facility is operated for the Early Head Start program. Students qualify for the various programs based on several factors including: income, age, parents educational level and language abilities. The preschool program is accredited by the National Head Start Bureau.

[K C Muffin]

Glad I asked - a lot has changed. Thanks, Lone Gunman! I promise to be nice


for a while!

[Lone Gunman]

If you're too nice I might not recognize you. So take it easy.

[357 mag]

I for one do not support the Bright Beginnings program. I tried to enroll my then 3 year old daughter in school there and they told me that since my primary language was not spanish, I was married and my husband and I worked for a living they could not help my daughter, but that someone could come to my house once a month and work with her. Once a month??? Who's going to learn anything with 1 hour once a month?? I know I sure couldn't retain anything with that. I guess the persay "legal" immigrants that live here can't get the same treatment as the "illegal" immigrants. Don't get me wrong I'm by far the most un-prejudice person around, but that was my last straw on our school district. As of now if I have my way when my daughter goes to school next year she will not be attending a Dodge City school.

[Jolly Rancher]

The discrimination has been rampant. Because I am white, I can not get any assistance for anything. I am not fortunate. I work hard for a living, but because I try to invest (owning a home and a car) I am considered too fortunate and am penalized.

Welcome to the free USA.

[Made in the USA]

Years ago, my youngest Son was having problems with reading. I tried to get him into a program in USD 443. Similarly, I was told that since I lived in the wrong area of town, etc, etc, etc, (just like you all mention), that I could not put him into this program. I had to go out and hire a private teacher at my own expense, in order to get him some help. Trust me, I was not rich either. Isn't is sad how the ones of us that work our ass off and try to survive, are the ones that get discriminated against!!! I am sorry to say it, but the United States is rapidly sinking thanks to todays ideas and leaders!!

[Wildcat12]

I've been told that this is a program that is funded by the state. Since the state foots the bill, the state sets up the requirements. The district has no say in which children get the help. They have to follow the formula that is set up by the state.

[dustinwadams5]

I have to disagree with this one, three of my four children have either gone or are going to Bright Beginnings and my youngest is already enrolled to go when she gets old enough and they have taught my children alot and when my son was having problems they even gave him special help with it.

[Army_of_One]

Originally Posted by Jolly Rancher

The discrimination has been rampant. Because I am white, I can not get any assistance for anything. I am not fortunate. I work hard for a living, but because I try to invest (owning a home and a car) I am considered too fortunate and am penalized.

Welcome to the free USA.

Is it because you are white or because your income level and assets are at a certain point? I SERIOUSLY doubt that someone says..."jolly rancher doesn't get any assistance because he is white". Come on...what kind of statement is that? Now if your income level is too high for you to get any assistance then CONGRATS...you don't depend on the gov't to raise your family. THis is something to be proud of....