Expanded Early Childhood Education at Reiche

Is it time to develop a Preschool program at Reiche? How about full-day Kindergarten?

The benefits to the community of Early Childhood education cannot be doubted. A community with Portland's demographics, with many students from transient family situations and large numbers of English Language Learners, would especially benefit. Early Childhood programs increase student achievement, reducing the likelihood of grade retention or placement in Special Education and increasing the probability of graduation from high school. Investing in Early Childhood programs pays dividends well into the future and throughout the community.

What about the costs? Studies show that the long-term financial benefits are many. Spending on strong early childhood education leads to lower costs related to remedial services, criminal justice spending and welfare costs. Not to mention the savings associated with developmental issues that are decreased with strong Preschool and full-day Kindergarten.


Reiche might be positioned to be the right school to begin expanding Early Childhood programs in Portland. It is currently operating under capacity and has a flexible open design. This creates a situation where a small program could be integrated with relatively little cost. As such, if School Committee decides to begin the measured process of expanding Early Childhood education, it should consider Reiche as the place to begin. It would benefit not only the Reiche community, but all the families of Portland.