Lake Dallas ISD Proposes Pre K Partnerships With Private Childcare Centers

The Lake Dallas Independent School District (ISD) is taking significant steps to enhance early childhood education by proposing the establishment of pre-kindergarten partnerships with local private childcare centers. During the recent board meeting on May 19, 2025, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Kelly O'Sullivan presented the initiative, emphasizing its potential to expand access to high-quality early education for families in the community.

The proposed partnerships aim to create a collaborative framework between public schools and private childcare providers, allowing for a more comprehensive approach to early learning. Dr. O'Sullivan highlighted that these partnerships would not only support academic readiness in subjects like math and reading but also foster essential social skills and independence among young learners.

Funding for these partnerships is structured around student attendance, with the district receiving $3,900 per student annually at full attendance. Private childcare providers would receive 50% of that amount based on their attendance figures. This financial model is designed to ensure that both the school district and its partners are incentivized to maintain high attendance rates.

The curriculum for the pre-k programs will be aligned with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) standards, utilizing the Children's Learning Institute (CLI) curriculum, which is already in use within the district. This alignment is intended to ensure consistency and quality in instruction across all participating centers. Additionally, the district will provide professional development and support to the childcare providers, helping them implement the curriculum effectively.

Teacher qualifications are also a key component of the initiative. While teachers will be employed by the childcare centers, the district aims to recruit highly qualified educators, particularly for pre-k 4 classes, which must meet state standards for early childhood education.

The board's discussion also touched on the importance of ongoing assessment and monitoring of student progress, with data collected through the CLI curriculum being submitted to the TEA for accountability and program improvement.

This initiative reflects Lake Dallas ISD's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for its youngest residents, ensuring that they are well-prepared for their future academic journeys. As the district moves forward with these partnerships, it aims to create a supportive network that benefits not only students but also their families and the broader community.