Legalities of PK/K at Daycare like CommuniKids vs DCPS

[Anonymous]

I just saw on the listserve that CommuniKids is expanding to open up a full time Kindergarten class, in person, limited to 8 children. Why is it that DC regulations allow CommuniKids and other daycares to operate early childhood programs and even Kindergarten, yet Bowser has said it’s not safe to go forward with those same programs in-person in DCPS? I’m truly curious to know the legal answer. That’s not even taking into account all the for profit “distance learning hubs” popping up everywhere. I just don’t see how we are ever going to get the metrics down enough to open up DCPS again with these sorts of inconsistencies between what’s deemed “safe” to operate and what’s not, particularly in the early childhood realm. If someone responds that early childhood is deemed essential childcare, why is DCPS not opening up in person at least it’s PK 3 and 4 classes?

[Anonymous]

You answered your own question. They are limiting their program to the same 8 kids. I think this has a lot to do with it and why private schools are better positioned for hybrid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You answered your own question. They are limiting their program to the same 8 kids. I think this has a lot to do with it and why private schools are better positioned for hybrid.

But those 8 kids are in a building with younger kids who are also attending CommuniKids. It would be the same thing as dcps limiting class sizes in a hybrid option.

[Anonymous]

Even private schools are opening virtually. I don't understand why preschools are different from elementary schools.

[Anonymous]

Because the daycare regulations can be applied.

Because Communikids iOS a contractor not a public school district.

And yes DCPS could and probably be found PK3-K F2F but they’d need far more teachers to have only 8 students per room.

[Anonymous]

I think the bigger question you need to ask yourself is will these programs be able to STAY open past October. That’s the bigger question.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think the bigger question you need to ask yourself is will these programs be able to STAY open past October. That’s the bigger question.

To that point, should they even be open from a community health perspective?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Because the daycare regulations can be applied.

Because Communikids iOS a contractor not a public school district.

And yes DCPS could and probably be found PK3-K F2F but they’d need far more teachers to have only 8 students per room.

+1

Although I don’t understand how they can’t have PK go back to school with aide teaching in one room with 7 kids and teacher in another with other 7 kids or so. PK is vulnerable for both K preparedness and childcare for DC working class. Heck even limit it to essential workers if need be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Because the daycare regulations can be applied.

Because Communikids iOS a contractor not a public school district.

And yes DCPS could and probably be found PK3-K F2F but they’d need far more teachers to have only 8 students per room.

+1

Although I don’t understand how they can’t have PK go back to school with aide teaching in one room with 7 kids and teacher in another with other 7 kids or so. PK is vulnerable for both K preparedness and childcare for DC working class. Heck even limit it to essential workers if need be.

At least in terms of the aide, they are not allowed to supervise children alone. They are allowed to do lunch while the students are napping but that is it. So you would need to hire a teacher for every classroom

[Anonymous]

Public schools are part of the political system and the teachers unions have an immense amount of political power. Independent childcare facilities are businesses that have no one threatening a strike or lawsuit if they are made to come to work, and no political ties one way or another.

We've seen every medical expert agree that having schools open, especially for ECE and SN, is vital to childrens' wellbeing. And yet, they are still not even trying to accommodate those most at risk. Clearly it is a political decision.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Public schools are part of the political system and the teachers unions have an immense amount of political power. Independent childcare facilities are businesses that have no one threatening a strike or lawsuit if they are made to come to work, and no political ties one way or another.

We've seen every medical expert agree that having schools open, especially for ECE and SN, is vital to childrens' wellbeing. And yet, they are still not even trying to accommodate those most at risk. Clearly it is a political decision.

If it’s purely political, why are private schools in DC also going virtual?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Public schools are part of the political system and the teachers unions have an immense amount of political power. Independent childcare facilities are businesses that have no one threatening a strike or lawsuit if they are made to come to work, and no political ties one way or another.

We've seen every medical expert agree that having schools open, especially for ECE and SN, is vital to childrens' wellbeing. And yet, they are still not even trying to accommodate those most at risk. Clearly it is a political decision.

If it’s purely political, why are private schools in DC also going virtual?

Private schools usually have a contract in place so they get paid tuition regardless of whether school is open or closed. I'm sure some of them get big donations from one side of the aisle or the other that influences their decisions as well. Which is why you see some trying to open and some not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Public schools are part of the political system and the teachers unions have an immense amount of political power. Independent childcare facilities are businesses that have no one threatening a strike or lawsuit if they are made to come to work, and no political ties one way or another.

We've seen every medical expert agree that having schools open, especially for ECE and SN, is vital to childrens' wellbeing. And yet, they are still not even trying to accommodate those most at risk. Clearly it is a political decision.

Once more because this message doesn’t seem to be getting across: the WTU has no real power, there is a no strike clause in the contract. I am not saying the decision to reopen is not political but it is not because of the union. It just isn’t, they rarely get a seat at the table and pull no strings. Maybe the union members have some individual political influence (doubt it) but the collective did not force the mayor’s decision. Try again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Because the daycare regulations can be applied.

Because Communikids iOS a contractor not a public school district.

And yes DCPS could and probably be found PK3-K F2F but they’d need far more teachers to have only 8 students per room.

+1

Although I don’t understand how they can’t have PK go back to school with aide teaching in one room with 7 kids and teacher in another with other 7 kids or so. PK is vulnerable for both K preparedness and childcare for DC working class. Heck even limit it to essential workers if need be.

At least in terms of the aide, they are not allowed to supervise children alone. They are allowed to do lunch while the students are napping but that is it. So you would need to hire a teacher for every classroom

Even still. The classes are 13-14 max. The max per room is now 15. Open up for those ECE that opt in. Especially the vulnerable. Otherwise you’re paying $130k to a PK teacher and $40k for an aide to do what exactly?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Because the daycare regulations can be applied.

Because Communikids iOS a contractor not a public school district.

And yes DCPS could and probably be found PK3-K F2F but they’d need far more teachers to have only 8 students per room.

+1

Although I don’t understand how they can’t have PK go back to school with aide teaching in one room with 7 kids and teacher in another with other 7 kids or so. PK is vulnerable for both K preparedness and childcare for DC working class. Heck even limit it to essential workers if need be.

At least in terms of the aide, they are not allowed to supervise children alone. They are allowed to do lunch while the students are napping but that is it. So you would need to hire a teacher for every classroom

Even still. The classes are 13-14 max. The max per room is now 15. Open up for those ECE that opt in. Especially the vulnerable. Otherwise you’re paying $130k to a PK teacher and $40k for an aide to do what exactly?

The max for kids in DCPS is 11 students, 1 teacher and 1 teacher who may rotate. So it’s not 15 kids. What DCPS school has ever had 13 kids in a PreK3/4 classroom? Are you talking about Head Start rooms? Those don’t exist anymore...DCPS was going to lose the funding do they gave it up entirely.