TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Thousands of Pima County children need preschool that their families cannot afford. This year, the library is helping cover the cost.
Library tax dollars are funding Pima Early Education Program Scholarships, known as PEEPS, but not everyone supports the approach.
PEEPS Parent Laura Duarte struggled to find an affordable early education option.
“It was overwhelming just knowing we have to work full-time, and we have to go out there and provide, and not really knowing where our kids were going to go,” Duarte said.
Through PEEPS, Duarte was able to enroll her daughter in a Flowing Wells preschool.
“You walk into the classroom, and you just see the care the teachers and paraprofessionals put into the work they do with the kids,” Duarte said.
Program serves fraction of need
PEEPS programs across Pima County serve around 5,000 students. About 13,000 low-income students need the care, meaning the programs are meeting around 41% of need in the county. The county decided to take about $11 million from library levy funds and give it to the PEEPS program.
“We are the workforce behind the workforce. Preschool is. Because without preschool, parents can’t go to work,” said Irene Moreno, Pima County PEEPS Program Coordinator.
This year, the county is diverting 15% of library levy funds to PEEPS.
Library advocate raises concerns
Judi Moreillon, a Tucson library advocate, said she supports early education but not funding it through the library levy.
“PEEPS deserves to be funded, but maybe not from the library levy. Maybe that should come from another source,” Moreillon said.
She suggested the state or federal government step in.
Alternative funding proposed
Another option is the local coalition The Preschool Promise. The group of donors and business leaders is hoping to raise $150 million for PEEPS.
“Preschool is one of the most important preparations for life. It’s important for families, it’s important for children’s success in school, it’s important economically for communities,” said Penelope Jacks, the Preschool Promise Coalition Chair.
It is unclear whether the library supports using its funds this way. The library was contacted for a statement but has not responded.
Isabela Lisco is a Report for America corpsmember covering education solutions for 13 News. Her position is made possible through funding from Report for America and the Arizona Local News Foundation’s Arizona Community Collaborative Fund.
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