Rockford, IL — Increased transportation options for the Early Childhood Program, which were funded by federal grants, will come to an end with the close of the 2023-2024 school year. Kimberly Nelson, RPS 205′s Executive Director of Early Childhood, and Mike Slife, the district’s Executive Director of Transportation, confirmed that the federal funding has ended, leading to a reduction in transportation budget from $38,281,542 to $30,863,197 for the 2024-2025 period.
This reduction has left many parents facing difficult decisions. For example, Purvis, a local parent, will have to withdraw her three-year-old from preschool just days before the school year begins. “He’s heartbroken,” Purvis said. “He’s cried, and there’s nothing I can do to help him.”
The federal support, which came during the COVID-19 pandemic, had allowed RPS 205 to make several upgrades, including a significant investment in air conditioning and air quality improvements in school buildings. However, early childhood education has not seen similar benefits.
Angela Perez, another affected parent, is facing the prospect of rearranging her work schedule to accommodate her child’s new transportation needs. “I have to break up my workday twice to drop her off,” Perez explained. She criticized the district for not providing earlier notice, which could have allowed parents more time to prepare. “If I had been given more time, I could have made a plan,” she said.
Heather Vecchione, a local daycare provider, is concerned about the impact on children who rely on preschool for early education. “Preschool is a critical social environment,” Vecchione said. “I can’t fully provide that for the kids in my care.”
According to a July 2023 spending update from RPS 205, the district had aimed to provide transportation for nearly 1,000 preschoolers. While the exact outcome is unclear, Perez estimates that around 300 children may be left without transportation this year. “What are parents supposed to do if they have no alternative?” she asked.
Purvis, who works full-time and has a disabled husband, is also struggling. “Are we supposed to quit our jobs to ensure our kids are prepared?” she questioned.
RPS 205 has placed Purvis’s son on a waitlist in case additional transportation becomes available, but the likelihood of securing a spot is uncertain. Some students with special needs may retain their transportation, but the district’s ability to provide rides to as many children as possible remains in question.
The full statement from Rockford Public Schools can be found on their website. Early childhood education for the Rockford district is set to begin on August 29.