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Vacaville preschool shifts focus as universal TK reduces 4-year enrollments
Summary
Recreation coordinator Shirley Lee told the Parks and Recreation Commission that 4-year-old preschool enrollment has declined since universal transitional kindergarten became available; the department plans to focus more on toddlers and 3-year-olds while maintaining staffing ratios and some program revenue to preserve sustainability.
At the Aug. 5 commission meeting, recreation coordinator Shirley Lee outlined the city's preschool and early childhood offerings and said the department is adapting to declining enrollment among 4-year-olds because the local school district now offers universal transitional kindergarten at no cost.
Lee said the program has been a community fixture for more than 50 years and described operating practices including a staff-to-child ratio of at least 1 teacher to every 9 children for 3- and 4-year-old classes and 1:6 in toddler classes. She noted program adaptations: "In the last year, Busy Bees and Little Learners have seen over 500 registrations," which supports shifting emphasis to toddlers and younger preschool slots to maintain financial sustainability while preserving access.
Commissioners asked about excess capacity, AM vs. PM scheduling and graduation for 4-year-old classes. Lee said most demand remains for morning offerings and that the department will pursue flexible options (e.g., 2- and 3-day class structures) and continue scholarship and partnership efforts to protect affordability.
