Hot Topic: Help On The Way For Katrina's Displaced Preschoolers

The estimated 370,000 school children displaced by Hurricane Katrina have the protection of the law that entitles them to continue their educations but preschoolers have no such assurance. That hasn't stopped communities, states and organizations from developing plans to assist preschoolers and their families in locating slots and the resources children need to attend. Texas, Georgia, and Illinois are among the states offering preschool services to evacuee children. The federal response is not fully developed, but early education experts say Head Start will play a central role. So far, $15 million has been allocated to the Head Start Bureau for temporary enrollment of children displaced by Katrina.

Seeing that children of evacuee families do not lose the ground already gained in preschool or the opportunity to start preschool is a big task, however. With nearly 24,000 kids attending throughout the metro area, New Orleans had a higher percentage of 3- and 4-year-olds in preschool than any major city in the nation. Rural areas are hard hit, too. The National Center for Rural Early Childhood Learning Initiatives reports that in Jackson County, Mississippi, 11 percent of all child care center slots have washed away and 46 percent are at risk of elimination due to storm damage. 39 percent are reopening but need repairs. Donations for preschool efforts are welcome through the following programs:

The National Head Start Association, with support from Johnson & Johnson, is funneling contributions through three Head Start programs that are coordinating relief efforts in the states affected by Katrina. Learn more

The Southern Early Childhood Association is accepting donations for rebuilding early childhood facilities in the areas affected by Katrina. More information

Pre-K Now is collecting donated backpacks for displaced students. For more information, contact Don Owens, Pre-K Now at 202 862 9863.

Teaching Strategies, Inc. is providing free curriculum and assessment materials to programs enrolling additional children displaced by Katrina. The company is also raising money for the Louisiana Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth. More information

A coalition named "Hurricane Relief: Embrace Mississippi Children" is soliciting financial support and education materials. The effort includes the Early Childhood Institute, Mississippi Extension Service, the Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church and the Mississippi Early Childhood Association. Learn more

The Child Care Exchange has assembled information and helpful links to more than 20 Katrina efforts, including coverage of policy initiatives aimed at facilitating relief. Learn more