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I was actually torn between the no and yes votes. I have a degree and training working with preschool age children and have seen many advantages and disadvantages for children attending preschool. I feel preschools are a big help to train children to be ready for kindergarten, but if the parents are good and supportive parents, they will be teaching their children some of the same principles that early childhood educators teach. I feel one great idea for preschools is not the academics, but the socialization process for preschoolers.

In this day and age, more parents have to work to make ends meet or to gain more "toys" for the family. I personally do not think families or singles need all the "toys" that everyone gets. Tv,s, vcrs and dvds and even computers should not be in the children's bedrooms. If you must have the latest electronic equipment, then homes should have one central location for all to share the latest gadgets. One television set should be enough for the household. I feel children can learn more by going outside to create friendships with friends and family , then by texting everyone. That idea of texting and more than 2 hours on the computer shows a lack of socialization skills. What happened to the "good old days" when people talked from their front porches. I am not saying electronic equipment is bad, but many families use it too much.

It makes me feel that families think of the computer as a babysitter, and the television is felt the same way. I can not fathom sitting and looking through 200+ channels to find something to watch. Just to let everyone know, I do not have cable or a satellite dish. I do not want one. I do have a vcr/dvd, but I do not use it every day. Let us teach our children to pick up a book and engage in the mystery of what the author is writing about. Each page can bring intense drama to gain respect and mystery of what is next. Another idea is to take the children out to the park and play games or even just on a nature walk. One more idea - have a game night and pull out those board games or puzzles and order a pizza, and have fun. It is a fun, and educational way to teach children.

Having a universal preschool would be like having academics forced on young children even if they are not ready for the concept. Children learn at different rates and stages, and in various ways. Some learn by sight, others by hearing, and others by hands-on. Before admitting a child into

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