Parents concerned about an increase in fees for the Washougal School District’s early childhood education program voiced their opinions to the School Board last week.

“I have a real concern about this,” said Darcy Bjorklund, who has a daughter in the preschool. “You are pushing parents to find care outside of Washougal.”

Beginning in the fall, patrons who use the district’s preschool program or the childcare program, called Safe Place Activities Center, will be facing significant tuition increases. Preschool costs will increase 33 percent, to $1,117 a year for a two-day per week program, and $2,234 per year for the four-day program.

Parents who use the SPACE program will also face cost increases, as well as reduced hours of service for kindergartners and preschoolers. Fees will increase from $4 to $5.40 per hour for one child, and from $3.50 to $4.70 per hour for the sibling rate.

The changes are due to two factors, according to the school district: employee costs and state regulations.

Read the rest of the story in the June 30 issue of the Post-Record