No One is Coming to Save Us: Why Universal Pre-K Can’t Solve Everything

Podcast: No One is Coming to Save Us
Host: Gloria Rivera, Lemonada Media
Episode: Why Universal Pre-K Can’t Solve Everything
Release Date: September 19, 2024

Introduction

In the episode titled "Why Universal Pre-K Can’t Solve Everything," host Gloria Rivera delves into the intricate web of America’s childcare crisis, focusing particularly on Wisconsin as a microcosm of broader national challenges. Gloria explores the shortcomings of universal Pre-K programs, the critical link between early childhood education and long-term academic success, and the systemic funding issues that hinder effective implementation.

Wisconsin’s Childcare Crisis: A Historical Perspective

Wisconsin once stood as a pioneer in early childhood education. In 1984, it became the first state to implement a universal Pre-K program, offering free preschool to nearly all four-year-olds. However, despite this groundbreaking initiative, the state now grapples with significant educational disparities.

Gloria Rivera explains, "Back in 1984, Wisconsin was the first state in the nation to pass a bill giving almost every four-year-old access to free preschool. Universal Pre-K... it's just the beginning."

Impact on the Education System

The episode highlights the direct consequences of inadequate early education on the K-12 system. Without comprehensive early learning, students face increased grade repetition, lower reading levels, and diminished long-term earning potential.

Gloria Rivera emphasizes, "Sending students to kindergarten, backed by just a few years of high-quality early education would transform K through 12 education."

Case Study: Angela Harris in Milwaukee

Angela Harris, a second-grade teacher and president of the Milwaukee Black Educators Union, provides firsthand insight into the challenges faced within Milwaukee's education system. Milwaukee suffers from severe racial segregation and underfunding, leading to the largest black-white achievement gap in the country.

Angela Harris states, "Wisconsin went way too long without addressing some of the racial issues that exist here in our state. Milwaukee didn't become the most segregated city in the United States of America for no reason."

She underscores the importance of early education in bridging these achievement gaps, noting the stark differences between students who have access to quality Pre-K and those who do not.

Case Study: Brooke Lagler’s Growing Tree in New Glarus

Brooke Lagler, founder of the Growing Tree childcare center in New Glarus, WI, shares her struggles in providing quality early education. Despite offering comprehensive services, Brooke faces significant obstacles in funding and staffing.

Brooke Lagler recounts, "I have several children in our program with disabilities, and we're kind of a unique program where we offer behavioral support in-house from an outside agency that comes in, which is kind of unheard of."

Her efforts highlight the dire need for sustained funding and support to maintain and expand quality childcare services.

Challenges: Funding and Quality Issues

A recurring theme is the persistent underfunding of early childhood education programs. Wisconsin's legislature has consistently failed to allocate sufficient resources, despite the state currently holding a $3 billion budget surplus.

Gloria Rivera laments, "We have the answer. And yet there's this resistance... I'm just, I don't get it and it makes me angry."

The lack of investment has led to inadequate Pre-K programs that do not meet national quality standards, leaving many children without the necessary early learning experiences.

Legislative Impasse and Its Consequences

Governor Tony Evers has advocated for increased education spending, but a Republican-controlled legislature prioritizes tax cuts over funding public education. This legislative standoff exacerbates the funding shortages in Milwaukee Public Schools, which faces a $200 million budget shortfall.

Gloria Rivera points out, "Wisconsin has a historic budget surplus right now... But the legislature wants to spend all of that money on tax cuts."

As a result, Milwaukee Public Schools is forced to make severe staff cuts, further straining the educational system.

Grassroots Efforts and Advocacy

In response to the funding crisis, grassroots initiatives like "We Can" (Wisconsin Early Childhood Action Needed) have emerged. Founded by Brooke Lagler and her colleague Corinne Hendrickson, this organization advocates for more substantial state support and inclusion of childcare providers in educational planning.

Brooke Lagler shares, "We are often not at the table. We are not asked, we are not included. And that's a detriment because a lot of districts... take on the mindset, let's wait till they get in the building."

These advocacy efforts aim to raise awareness and push for legislative changes to secure the necessary funding for early childhood education.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The episode concludes with a call to action, emphasizing that while no single solution like universal Pre-K can resolve all issues, comprehensive investment in early childhood education is crucial. The sustainability of programs like the Growing Tree depends on continued advocacy and legislative support.

Gloria Rivera affirms, "We do need to speak out. Hell, we need to do much more than that. Scream, cry, protest, fight. We need to do whatever it takes for our little ones."

The fight for quality early education in Wisconsin serves as a rallying point for broader national efforts to address childcare and educational disparities, underscoring the urgent need for collaborative action to secure a better future for all children.

Notable Quotes

• Gloria Rivera (00:01): "Neighborhood Villages... offers an anti-bias, Reggio inspired approach to teaching."

• Brooke Lagler (07:05): "Wisconsin went way too long without addressing some of the racial issues that exist here in our state."

• Gloria Rivera (10:39): "It must be a challenge. That must be hard."

• Brooke Lagler (12:07): "I have 27 individual independent learners in my classroom."

• Gloria Rivera (16:08): "We have the answer. And yet there's this resistance... I'm just, I don't get it and it makes me angry."

• Brooke Lagler (18:36): "I am always, always, always going to reference Maslow's hierarchy of needs."

Final Thoughts

This episode of No One is Coming to Save Us compellingly illustrates the complexities and urgent needs within the American childcare and education systems. By focusing on real-life stories and systemic challenges in Wisconsin, Gloria Rivera effectively highlights the critical interplay between early childhood education, legislative action, and long-term societal outcomes. Listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of why universal Pre-K, while beneficial, is insufficient on its own and must be part of a broader, well-funded strategy to ensure educational equity and success for all children.