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The School Board of Miami-dade County, Florida, Approved an Initiative Sponsored by School Board Member Dr. Dorothy Bendross-mindingall.
At the School Board Meeting of May 14, 2025, School Board Member Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall proffered Agenda Item H-6, directing the Superintendent of Schools to explore the feasibility of repurposing underutilized buildings as Early Learning Centers for Pre-K programs by: 1. Conducting an enrollment trend analysis, demographic studies, and community surveys to assess feasibility and demand; 2. Identifying funding sources, including federal and state grants, private partnerships, and repurposed budgets; 3. Ensuring that early learning programs align with standards and best practices in early childhood education; and 4. Planning the modification of existing structures to accommodate young
learners, ensuring safe and stimulating learning environments.
Student enrollment trends are changing, presenting a unique opportunity to transform underused school sites into Early Childhood Centers for children from birth to age four. Research shows that these early years are critical for literacy, cognitive development, and lifelong learning.
This proposal, which aligns with research on the benefits of early childhood education, seeks to expand access to quality Pre-K, close achievement gaps, and support the long-term success of our students. It also presents an opportunity to partner with healthcare, social services, and nutrition programs, as well as to explore bilingual or low-cost Pre-K options for diverse communities.
As our district continues to experience shifts in student enrollment, several school sites have been identified as potential Early Childhood Centers. Repurposing excess school capacity is a cost-effective strategy that strengthens the educational pipeline, expands Pre-K access, and increases community engagement.
“By transforming underutilized school sites into Early Learning Centers, we are maximizing our community’s investments, strengthening the academic foundation for our youngest learners, and promoting equity, access, and innovation in early childhood education,” said Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall.
Pursuant to agenda item H-6, a report will be provided to the School Board at the Academics, Innovation, Evaluation, and Technology Committee Meeting on July 16, 2025.
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