COVID-19 is impacted all of us in so many ways it cannot be counted accurately.  Now, a local group is calling for a delay in the registration cycle for part day and school year preschool registration for the 2021/2022 school year.

The Early Learning Alliance Network (ELAN) released a statement in support of a local working group of  early childhood leaders collaboratively making the decision to delay.

A work group of preschool leaders convened a discussion about the registration timeline for part day/school year programs during the first weeks of October. Historically, preschool registration for the estimated 16,000 young children in Hamilton County, Indiana begins in the Fall. Registration for part day/school year programs has intense activity over the winter months ultimately expecting all families to register in January for the next academic year.

“This year, given the COVID 19 pandemic and all of its implications for those in the child care and early education community, the leaders in a local working group of early childhood leaders have developed a new approach to registration and a final recommendation for 2021-2022 part day/school year preschool registration,” said Dr. Jody Britten, Founder of the ELAN.

The working group has officially made the recommendation to move preschool registration for part day/school year programs to March of 2021. This recommendation ultimately means that registration for the public/new families will open at preschool programs on Monday, March 15 at the earliest.

“As an organization that is fully committed to children, their families, and our early childhood program leaders and staff in our community, we 100% support this move and applaud the working group for taking this step forward. For years families have asked why we register so early, this year more than ever we need to reconsider practices and think critically about what can help our early childhood leaders, children, and families during these unprecedented times.” said Dr. Britten.

The working group shared the potential benefits for children, families, and preschool providers. Among others, the working group highlighted, that a change in registration timeline:

• Allows children more time to learn and develop before placement decisions are made.
• Reduces demand on preschool administrators and office staff during the fall and holiday time period.
• Minimizes contact with those outside the program during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.
• Provides more time to evaluate and respond to the on-going pandemic, possible school closures, and any additional national, state and local guidance.
• Allows family/teacher conferences to occur closer to registration.
• Aligns more closely with public school Early Childhood evaluations and placement recommendations.
• Defers the financial impact of registration fees on families until after the holidays.

“Based on the collaboration of the preschool leaders and the many potential benefits, we encourage area preschools to adopt the recommendation and operationalize a revised registration timeline and process for the 2021-2022 school year. The Early Learning Alliance Network fully supports the recommendation and registration move to March. Families should plan for later registration and notification,” shared Sara Mills Henderson.

Parents should look for upcoming news from local preschools and watch the #MoveToMarch hashtag on social media. “This is really an important opportunity for our community, and has the potential to really help so many families. We encourage all families to take this extra time to learn about available programs and take the time to truly consider the best possible placement for their children in the year ahead,” shared Angela Loser who serves as the Disabilities Advocate for the ELAN.