Study: Early education makes big difference

SANDPOINT — According to a recent national study, early education can make a big difference in a child’s life.

For many Bonner County families, however, the barrier to entry can be a steep one.

Kids Count, a national child welfare data project established through the Annie E. Casey Foundation, released a study this week detailing the state of early education in Idaho. According to the findings, more than 18,000 low-income Idaho children age three and four are not enrolled in preschool, a figure representing 69 percent of all low income kids. That places Idaho near the bottom of all states, with only five reporting a lower percentage of kids in preschool.

For Bonner County, the most recent Kids Count data is slightly more encouraging. Data collected between 2006 and 2010 indicates just over half of local kids between ages three and four are not enrolled in any type of education. That amounts to about 516 kids in total.

Local family statistics certainly have an impact on that figure. For example, Kids Count data from 2009 indicates 17.5 percent of local mothers don’t have a high school diploma. The same study found that 815 local kids up to age four are on food stamps.

That falls in line with Lake Pend Oreille School District numbers, which states that 56 percent of elementary school children receive free or reduced-price meals at school — more than 1,000 kids in total. Furthermore, U.S. Census data 15.2 percent of Bonner County residents below the poverty line.

Based on those financial circumstances, early childhood education can be tough hurdle to clear for many residents. With most options centered around tuition-based programs, some families can have trouble putting together the required cash, according to school officials. For example, annual tuition ranges between $1,945 for a two-day preschool program and $4,120 for a five-day preschool program at the Sandpoint Waldorf School. Similarly, Lake Pend Oreille School District operates a full-day kindergarten program since Idaho only funds kindergarten at half days. Tuition for this service costs $2,300 for the year, with need-based scholarships available.

Based on the improved life achievements racked up by individuals who have utilized early education services, Lauren Necochea of Kids Count Idaho encourages more low-income support for early education programs. Parents have one option available through North Idaho College’s Head Start program, which offers school preparedness services for low-income families with children age 3 to 5.