Miami Beach commissioners propose $100,000 budget enhancement for pre-K scholarships

Miami Beach's Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee has taken a significant step towards enhancing early childhood education funding. During a meeting on June 11, 2025, the committee approved a motion to modify the pre-kindergarten scholarship program, proposing a budget enhancement of approximately $100,000 for the upcoming 2026 budget process.

The committee's decision aims to increase the financial support for four-year-olds enrolled in the program to $2,000, while three-year-olds would receive $1,000. Currently, the program is set to provide scholarships for 225 four-year-olds, with the base budget supporting 220 children. This enhancement is seen as a crucial move to better serve the community's educational needs, particularly for working parents.

Commissioner Dominguez, who sponsored the initiative, emphasized the importance of promoting this opportunity to the community, with applications set to open in September. The committee's discussions highlighted a shared commitment to improving the city's daycare system, with public comments reflecting concerns over the adequacy of current funding levels for early learning programs.

The committee's unanimous approval signals a strong community focus on prioritizing education and child care, with hopes that the proposed budget enhancement will lead to a more effective and inclusive early learning environment in Miami Beach. As the city prepares for the upcoming budget discussions, the emphasis on early childhood education remains a key priority for local leaders.