The Growing Concern: How Free District-Run TK and Preschool Are Impacting Private and Community-Based Enrollment

Across the country, a quiet but powerful shift is reshaping early childhood education. School districts are increasingly offering free Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and preschool programs, and while expanded access to early learning is a positive step for many families, it’s also creating real challenges for private and community-based child development centers.

At first glance, free district programs seem like a win for families—and in many ways, they are. But the ripple effects on long-standing early childhood centers are becoming harder to ignore. Directors and owners are seeing notable drops in enrollment, particularly in their 4-year-old classrooms. Programs that once had waitlists are now struggling to enroll children.

The core issue is competition. When public districts can offer free or low-cost programs, sometimes with the added perception of better resources or a direct pipeline to kindergarten, families understandably choose that option. Even loyal families who love their private preschool experience are forced to make tough financial decisions. Why pay tuition when a “good enough” or even excellent free option is available?

This trend doesn’t just impact enrollment numbers. It affects staffing, budgets, and long-term sustainability. Many community-based programs operate on tight margins, and losing a classroom's worth of tuition-paying students can tip the balance quickly. Some programs are reducing staff, cutting hours, or even closing entirely.

There are also broader questions about access and equity. District programs often operate on school schedules, offering half-day programs with no wraparound care. For working families who need full-day, year-round care, community programs remain essential. If these programs can't survive, will families be left with fewer options that actually meet their needs?

The early childhood field is at a crossroads. To stay strong, community-based programs may need to rethink their models—offering more flexible schedules, specialized programming, or building partnerships with school districts. Advocacy also plays a crucial role. Local and state leaders need to hear that while expanding access is vital, preserving a mixed-delivery system that includes both public and private options is equally important.

The expansion of district-run TK and preschool isn't going away. But by raising awareness and adapting strategically, community-based programs can continue to be a vital, irreplaceable part of the early learning ecosystem.