For Immediate Release
8/20/09

Piccola Introduces Amendments Calling for Reforms to Pre-K Counts Program

HARRISBURG – Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola (R-15), Chairman of the Education Committee, unveiled legislation today that would amend the Public School Code and make changes to Pennsylvania's new Pre-K Counts Program, which provides state subsidized pre-kindergarten services among school districts, community-based providers, and other entities.

The Department of Education is currently developing regulations for Pre-K Counts.  Upon initial review of these regulations, a number of legitimate concerns in the authorizing statute were identified and in need of addressing.  Senate Bill 1073 includes proposed reforms to improve the efficiency of this program.  These reforms include changes relating to eligibility qualifications, fee structure, income verification, and auditing powers.

The existing program and regulations proposed by the Department of Education allow middle-class family incomes of upwards of $66,000 to qualify for Pre-K Counts, while similar government-funded programs (such as Head Start and Child Care Works) focus on serving much lower-income families and presently have waiting lists.  Under Piccola's legislation, a funding preference would be given to families qualifying for Head Start and Child Care Works. 

The Pre-K Counts Program is currently offered at no cost to the qualifying family, regardless of income level.

Piccola's legislation would require a fee schedule be established for families above traditional low-income levels, but still keep the program free for those who satisfy the Head Start and subsidized day-care income eligibility guidelines.   

Other amendments are also being proposed by Piccola to the Pre-K Counts Program.  Considering this program currently has no method to verify the income of its applicants to prevent fraud or mistakes in eligibility determinations, Senate Bill 1073 would mandate that income verification controls be enacted.  Additionally, Piccola's legislation would expand upon existing auditing requirements of Pre-K Counts.

"Upon review of the initial proposed regulations drafted by the Department, several concerns were identified in the program that are currently permitted under state law.  My amendments are necessary and intended to address some of these concerns in statute and improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of Pre-K Counts," Piccola said.  "In conjunction with these amendments, I am working with the Department to ensure these necessary reforms and other changes not contained in my legislation are incorporated into their regulations."

"The amendments I have proposed make substantial improvements to a program that is fairly new and has received some scrutiny since inception, particularly relating to its fiscal structure.  My legislation will address many of these concerns and improve the efficiency of this program should the currently negotiated state budget continue funding for Pre-K Counts," added Piccola. 

Contact:

Colleen Greer
(717) 787-6801

Additional Information:
Education

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