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Universal preschool will not improve academic achievement over the long term. We have been sold this mumble jumble because as more and more working men and women decide to have children the question of who will raise them becomes obsolete if we have universal preschool in place. The fact of the matter is the preschools do nothing to improve the overall academic achievement of most children. The only children who benefit from preschool are the underprivileged children who come from single parent homes. In even this scenario the achievements can only be assessed through second grade. While it's true that most kindergarten teachers will be able to tell which children were enrolled in preschool, by second grade most children level out.

It is of the utmost importance that children begin school with a basic knowledge of shapes, colors, letter recognition, number recognition and have some social skills, it is a myths that these skills can only be acquired through a preschool experience. There are numerous studies that conclude the exact opposite. Preschool education hinders the learning process for many children. Children exposed to high levels of stress caused by separation anxiety, or pressure to perform, in the long run do worse academically then their peers.

Parents need a safe place to leave their children. We been sold the importance of preschool lock, stock and barrel. The reality is that preschool is not a good fit for a majority of children. Many parents and educators rave about the importance of socialization for children. The reality is that the children's first experience at socialization is at home with the parents and siblings. Children do not need 12 other children to reap the benefits of socialization. Family, extended family and the occasional play date are more than enough socialization for your average 3 to 4 year old.

It is imperative that we allow our children to be children and not versions of "mini Me's".
Children learn through play, through interactions with parents, sibling and grandparents. They do not need manipulative's. They need pots and pans, they need adults that stimulate their everyday environment. They need stability, love and understanding. These things provide the most feasible environment for long-term academic achievement.

Learn more about this author, Alida Chacon.
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