Funding Cuts Put City Preschools at Risk

When I heard about Chicago’s decision to cut funding for our preschool, Little Angels Learning Center in Englewood, I was disturbed and shocked, to say the least. This decision will have a negative effect on me and the families I serve.

I work as an early childhood educator at Little Angels, where for the past 10 years we have done amazing work. We work hard to set goals for our students and their parents. We try to expose them to places outside of Englewood and teach them the social and emotional skills they need to succeed.

I love my job and hope to be able to continue working at Little Angels, but I’m worried. As an early childhood educator employed with a community-based preschool, rather than Chicago Public Schools, my salary is already deficient. Now, with the news of funding cuts happening as early as Dec. 1, I could be without a job and struggling to meet the basic needs of my family.

Our children and community are already facing so many challenges. This disruption and disinvestment will more than likely make things worse. Providing consistent and long-term funding for community-based preschools will ensure that Englewood’s children get a safe, fair and equitable start.

— Antoinette Laws, Chicago

To read Antoinette's Letter as published in the Chicago Tribune, click here.