Editor’s note: Wellesley Middle School Social Studies students as part of a Civics Action Project have this week taken over The Swellesley Report‘s letters-to-the-editor page. The students are well-versed in their topics, have carefully researched all angles, and are ready to present their opinions to the community. Thank you to the WMS Social Studies teachers for organizing this community-based project.
To the editor:
Education is one of the most important parts of a child’s life. However not all children have access to education. Especially in early years, where children learn the basis of essential life skills. If every kid had the opportunity to attend preschool or nursery school it would create a more developed society. In Wellesley not every family can afford to attend preschool or get a spot in a preschool. To combat that, Wellesley should expand the PAWS preschool program.
PAWS preschool in Wellesley should be bigger and more accessible. PAWS is a public preschool that is part of the Wellesley Public School District. The program began in the 1970’s. Tuition to attend can cost between $4,560 and $8,740, which is below average tuition cost for preschool but still not cheap. On top of that, they also don’t accept all children that apply. They have a first-come first-serve system, and about nine different classes in the program. Six are housed in the PAWS building (located on Fiske elementary school campus), and the other three are housed in alternate available space in the district. It is clear that the current location is outgrown and PAWS would benefit from a bigger building or addition.
Pre-Kindergarten education plays a critical role in preparing children for kindergarten and beyond. PAWS (along with other preschools) provide great opportunities for young children. Some that include preparing them for kindergarten/elementary school, building emotional and social maturity, fostering kids’ confidence and willingness, teaching kids the expectations for behavior and learning, and providing a positive impact on early academic skills.
Currently in the town of Wellesley, many children are able to benefit from these advantages. However, there are many families that are not able to get their kids into PAWS preschool because they can not afford the program or face barriers due to there not being enough space for their child/children in the program. It is crucial that every child is offered equal opportunity and support when starting their academic journey. To ensure all children have access to the same opportunities, we must expand PAWS preschool and make it more accessible to all families in Wellesley.
Harper Cloutier
