The Law Project of the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless has been deeply involved in ensuring that preschool-age children experiencing homelessness are not left behind as Illinois rolls out its universal preschool plan known as "Preschool For All." This week, as part of our project with JPMorgan Chase Bank, new CCH Board member Sharlita Davis and I were guests of the Austin-Wide Parent Network ("AWPN") at their Monday night meeting.  

AWPN is not only an award-winning environmentally-conscious group but they are great educational activisits working on an Early Learning Campaign. As part of POWER-PAC, these women have been leaders in making change in Austin area schools.

We were there at AWPN to provide information to the parents and learn about what they are doing.  Our Austin-based project "Every Child In School Everyday" has been a year long effort with Chase volunteers to assist and educate the people of Austin on the legal rights of homeless students, including preschoolers.

After we launched our Austin project, AWPN members completed a most remarkable study of the obstacles faced in the Austin community to ensuring preschool enrollment for every child. Entitled Why isn't Johnny in preschool?, the report details key problems:

(1) confusing enrollment requirements;

(2) lack of transportation;

(3) inflexible preschool schedules that don't align with parent needs; and

(4) a lack of information about preschool options, to name a few.

This study certainly echoed our experience. Now, some of the parents work directly going door-to-door to connect with and enroll eligible children.

After a nice meal and some good fellowship, these remarkable Austin parents shared some of their advocacy work with us. We look forward to learning more from them and adding to their efforts for community-wide education of preschool options.

-- Laurene Heybach, Director of the Law Project