Wake County Increases Access to Free Preschool for Low-Income Families, Yet Demand Still Exceeds Supply

Wake ThreeSchool: A Lifeline for Families in Wake County

This week marked a significant milestone for many families in Wake County as children excitedly embarked on their first day of preschool. Among them was three-year-old Santi Abucoby, who timidly hid behind his mother, Roxana Abucoby, as they arrived at the Safe Place Child Enrichment Center in Raleigh. With the enhancement of the Wake ThreeSchool program, Santi is now getting the chance to explore a setting that nurtures learning and social interaction, something that was previously out of reach due to financial constraints.

Roxana Abucoby’s candid admission reflects the struggles many parents face: “Without the support of Wake ThreeSchool, I’d have to keep Santi at home with me.” The rising costs of child care can be overwhelming, with some centers charging upwards of 0 a week for part-time care, a substantial burden for families already stretched thin.

Launched two years ago, the Wake ThreeSchool initiative was designed to provide high-quality preschool education for three-year-olds from low-income backgrounds at no cost. This program has garnered increased attention and funding recently, with the Wake County Board of Commissioners infusing an additional .5 million into the budget this June. This investment allows for the expansion of services, increasing the number of children served from 200 to 300. This recent cohort has eagerly started their educational journeys, fulfilling a pressing need within the community.

Roxana’s story is not an isolated case. Following the success her older child experienced in the NC Pre-K program, she felt optimistic for Santi. An email from Wake Smart Start, informing her of his potential eligibility for Wake ThreeSchool, felt like a beacon of hope amidst the inherent challenges of raising children in a financially constrained environment. “This was such a blessing. By the time they reach elementary school, they’ll be prepared, and it helps parents too,” she explained, highlighting the dual benefits of the program.

Evidence of the program’s effectiveness has been promising. According to Wake County Smart Start, children who participated in the initial two years of Wake ThreeSchool demonstrated improved performance in pre-kindergarten assessments compared to peers who did not have access to the program. These assessments evaluate important skills, including motor function, language abilities, and social-emotional development — essential building blocks for future learning. For instance, assessments include tasks like grasping a ball, counting to ten, and engaging with peers, crucial for developmental milestones.

However, despite these successes and the recent funding boost, the demand for the Wake ThreeSchool program far exceeds its capacity. Gayle Headen, executive director of Wake County Smart Start, revealed that the program faced an overwhelming influx of applications this year, receiving over 900 eligible applications for just 300 available spots. This amounts to a staggering 3:1 ratio of applicants to available spots — a clear indication of the pressing need within these communities.

To address this crisis, the program prioritizes applicants based on household income and specific needs such as speech therapy or language barriers. Yet even with these measures in place, Headen asserts that an additional million is still needed to adequately serve all eligible families. “Despite the expansion, we still face overwhelming demand,” she noted, emphasizing the ongoing challenges faced by numerous families in the county.

Looking ahead, there are aspirations for further growth, and Headen is optimistic about potential support from the private sector to expand the program. Community leaders like Shinica Thomas, chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners, recognize the significance of such programs, especially for families who are vulnerable. At the inaugural day of school at Safe Place Child Enrichment Center, Thomas reiterated the program’s mission, stating, “Wake ThreeSchool removes the financial barriers that stand between these children and a top-notch preschool education.”

As more families navigate the intricate landscape of early childhood education, the Wake ThreeSchool program stands out as a crucial lifeline, offering not just access to education, but a promise of hope and a brighter future for children and their families. The collective efforts to enhance early learning experiences are shaping a more equitable community where every child has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their economic background. With ongoing support and expansion, there’s a bright horizon ahead for Wake County’s youngest learners.