DSUSD says preschool enrollment down

The Desert Sands Unified School District says preschool enrollment numbers are down from a year ago. The district reporting 130 vacant preschool seats out of 484 total spots for this year.

“So the concern is if and when they don’t start preschool they are already starting at a disadvantage,” said Ifthika Fhineenissar, principal at Early Education Program

District officials are concerned parents are avoiding preschool because of immigration concerns.

“Any kid in the U.S. has the right to free education regardless of status especially their parent’s status. They shouldn’t be afraid to send them. There won’t be any immigration consequences,” said Maria Quezeda of TODEC Legal Assistance.

Regardless of legal status, as long as the student can prove an address within the district they can attend school there. This applies for preschool through 12th grade.

“There’s information that can be, I don’t want to say omitted, but not necessarily written down so that there’s no immigration consequences on that side,” Quezeda said.

The school district says the early childhood courses are free and covered through tax dollars.

“Working on their physical, nutritional, communication, social-emotional and the academic, when they enter preschool, yes they’re playing, but they’re also learning,” Fhineenissar said.