10 of 14

Yes

Write now Article Tools

The purposes of preschool include the promotion of early literacy, social health, nutrition and cleanliness, and community values. There are additional benefits, such as earlier intervention for children who come from abusive or negligent homes, and enabling single parents who cannot afford a caretaker to go to work regularly. Why is this sort of education not better supported, both socially and financially?

The complaints largely stem from three categories.
1. The person is actually arguing the evils of secular schools, and insists that taking responsibility' would mean keeping the child at home for as long as humanly and legally possible.
2. It hasn't worked in the past, the burden being taken off of kindergarten teachers is really too insignificant to matter.
3. Early education of our citizens is only a pet project of politicians.

The truth of the matter is that they are all right. Our public schools do not promote a religion, education is far too underfunded to work as well as it should, and politicians have, as they always do, jumped on bandwagons that they know citizens will support. No politician in their right mind would jump on the Philip Morris for the Supply of Puppy-Kicking Shoes' bandwagon (though it is perfectly normal to support billions for Iraq while underfunding Head Start).

What America needs is universal preschool, but we specifically need QUALITY education for all of our citizens. These schools cannot function as a day care. Students cannot be taught to a test of reciting a string of numbers, but that 10 is bigger than 8. With proper funding and adequately trained teachers, such a program would be an invaluable asset to our country.

Learn more about this author, LTG.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Will "universal preschool" for 3- and 4-year-olds improve academic achievement over the long term??
We want to hear your view. Write now!