Universal Preschool News
In this section, you'll find editorials, legislation, public policy and trends
on issues relating to preschool, pre-kindergarten, childcare and the push toward
universal preschool education. Particularly of note are articles concerning the
states claim of a compelling interest in compulsory preschool education. Visit
often for the latest preschool news.
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The Evidence on Universal Preschool
Calls for universal preschool programs have become commonplace, reinforced by President Obama's call for "high-quality preschool for all" in 2013. Any program that could cost state and federal taxpayers $50 billion per year warrants a closer look.
This report reviews the major evaluations of preschool programs, including both traditional programs such as Head Start and those designated as "high quality." These evaluations do not paint a generally positive picture. The most methodologically rigorous evaluations find that the academic benefits of preschool programs are quite modest, and these gains fade after children enter elementary school.
by David J. Armor
October 15, 2014
[More Results from cato.org]
Lawmakers quietly considering universal preschool
After California's voters last June defeated a $2.3 billion universal preschool initiative, Proposition 82, the issue of early education seemed dead. But reports of its demise have proved premature.
The debate over how much to spend on pre-K and for which kids is now in the hands of the state politicians, and the issue will resurface this week when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger releases his revised 2008 budget.
by David L. Kirp
May 7, 2007
[More Results from San Jose Mercury News (CA)]
The Price of Day Care Can Be High
There is one place in North America where parents of young children don't have to worry about child care. In Quebec, full-time day care costs just $7 a day, thanks to a government program aimed at one of the thorniest problems that workers in their 20's,
Starting in 1997, the Quebec Family Policy subsidized day care for 4-year-olds at government-approved centers around the province. By 2000, the program had expanded to cover any child not old enough for kindergarten, all the way down to infants. This is universal day care, an audacious idea that recognizes the revolution in women's work over the last 30 years.
by David Leonhardt
June 14, 2006
[More Results from New York Times (Canada)]
Opinion: Preschool is No Answer
Those who call for more state funding for preschool age children are ignoring one important fact: American preschoolers are doing better than ever.
Throughout the 20th century, the scores of preschool age children on IQ and kindergarten readiness tests have climbed steadily upward.
In short, American children start school better prepared than ever. It's not until they move up through grade school and on to high school that their performance declines.
by David F. Salisbury
January 10, 2002
[More Results from CATO Institute]
Much Too Early!
Realistic developmental needs in early childhood education and preschool, discussed by Professor of Child Development, Dr. David Elkind.
In one sentence, Froebel, father of the kindergarten, expressed the essence of early-childhood education. Children are not born knowing the difference between red and green, sweet and sour, rough and smooth, cold and hot, or any number of physical sensations. The natural world is the infant's and young child's first curriculum, and it can only be learned by direct interaction with things.
by David Elkind, Ph.D.
February 5, 2001
[More Results from Best Homeschooling.org]
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