Here's the thing....
There are so many children who speak very little or no English who will be enrolled into public school. The school districts in Texas have ESL programs, but the teachers and administrators feel it isn't enough because these children, who may or may not be American citizens (a lot of them are, but only 1st generation) ~ even by 4th and 5th grade aren't necessarily English language proficient. As a result, some schools are moving to a bilingual atmosphere.
There used to be a pre-k program for special needs children and for low income children. Nowdays it also includes children who do not speak English. In my generation, everyone I know who attended pre-k, and this includes primarily native English speakers, attended a 3-day (half-day) church sponsored program. For socioeconomic reasons, this appears to still be the case today. Middle class and upper class Native English speakers get passed over in favor of those who are needy or less fortunate in some way. It isn't fair, especially since we are talking public education, however, that is the reality.
So, if you niece is middle class or better, and a native English speaker, she will probably not be going to pre-k at a public school (after all, it isn't *for* her that the school does pre-k). You might try suggesting a local religious pre-k program, it's still early enough that you may not have to worry about a waiting list yet.
< /rant> flame away. This was 100% personal experience/opinion.
No flame here. You are absolutely correct. Even though it is taxpayer money which funds these schools, this "pilot program" is for non-English speaking children, and next for anyone on WIC. If room is available after this, then the system will look to the English-speaking children to fill the rest of the seats.
Punish all children who speak English and are not on WIC. Bad parents.