DUBUQUE (AP) — Preschool is becoming a more popular option for families with young children across Iowa.
Educators with the Dubuque Community School District and Holy Family Catholic Schools tell the Telegraph Herald that more families are enrolling their children in preschool. Many of them credit a statewide program offering free preschool for the increase.
The Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program for 4-Year-Old Children was established in 2007. Since its first year, enrollment in the program has grown from about 5,100 to nearly 22,700 this school year.
Nancy Murphy of the Dubuque Community School District estimates that about 50 more children currently are enrolled at Mercy Child Development Center and Preschool compared to the first year.
Todd Wessels of Holy Family says almost all of the kindergarteners come from a preschool program.