JCPS early childhood returns Monday, details of proposed stipend

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- After weeks of waiting, parents of Jefferson County Public Schools Early Childhood students will prepare to return on Monday.

But because busing remains a problem, JCPS has proposed monetary stipends, pending board approval, for families who will drive their Early Childhood students to class.

Tuesday, Sept. 26, the board will vote to create an allowance of $5 a school day, up to $25 a week, for parents/guardians to transport their preschool student to and from school.

According to the board agenda, "The allowance rate is based on an estimated travel distance of 5.8 miles per day each way times the JCPS approved mileage rate of $.44 per mile. The reimbursement will be paid approximately fifteen days after the end of each calendar month Preschool is in session."

The preschool program for 3- and 4-year-olds was scheduled to start Aug. 23. The day before, the district delayed the start, then issued further delays. The weeks-long pause was to accommodate the busing issues facing elementary, middle and high school students around the district.

JCPS provided transportation to Early Childhood will be limited.

The district will only be able to provide transportation for the 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. timeframe. And when Early Childhood programs begin Sept. 25, there will only be transportation provided to special needs students who have transportation listed as a requirement in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

All students with disabilities, also known as Exceptional Child Education students, (ECE) can receive transportation to Early Childhood starting Monday, Oct. 9.

JCPS will not provide transportation for students who do not have an IEP.

Transportation will also not be provided outside of the 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. instructional hours.

Kristy McCarthy's twins will start school Monday at Tully Elementary, five weeks since that initial start date.

"They've had their first day of school outfits lined up for quite awhile now," McCarthy said. "I'm vey excited, it's a long time coming."

Before the year even started, McCarthy had made arrangements to drive her students to and from school. She finds the stipend reasonable, since Early Childhood students attend school closest to home.

"I work three miles down the road, and I don't spend $25 a week on gas because it's that close, so I would assume that's probably enough," McCarthy said.