Preschool Education Essay, Research Paper
Preschool education has become a prevailing topic of interest in the United States. Questions have been
raised regarding the reasons for this interest. Is it out of a growing necessity of preparedness for school, a
convienent program geared towards middle class families or is it a possible solution towards reducing teenage
pregnancies and juvenile crime or is it a precursor to higher academic achievement in later years?
Financing new preschool/early education programs elevates many concerns. The primary concern is
funding of these new programs. While most agree that early intervention may possibly be the key to the reduction
of teenage pregnancy and juvenile crime, we cannot forget about the existing problems that our older children are
currently facing or the needs of infants. By adding new programs, will we reduce funding for programs currently
serving our older children?
The U.S. Department of Education currently has research programs underway. One such program of study
is defined as basic and applied research of 23,000 children in 1000 schools. These children will be followed from
kindergarten until 5th grade. A number of states have also joined the study or implementation of early childhood
programs. Some specific examples are:
New York California
Has universal pre-kindergarten law. Recommendation of universal preschool for all 3 and
Will spend 500 million
Will begin new 4 year old program in fall, Has 53 member task force.
to 125 districts.
New Jersey Connecticut
Provides half-day preschool and full day Serving 3500 3 and 4 year olds in 25 districts.
kindergarten to 125 districts with the most Program free for families on public assistance.
disadvantaged. Sliding-fee scale for others.
Georgia Vermont
Has program serving 61,000 four year olds. Introduced legislation that would require
This program is based on a first-come, first all schools to offer 3 and 4 year old programs.
served basis.
Colorado
Governor has staff of 9 that are working
on early-childhood policies and programs.
In addition to the study or implementation of new early childhood programs, the focus of what definitive
skills should be taught is also an issue. The National Research Council suggests a heavy emphasis on literacy.
Also recommended was additional training for teachers.
In conclusion, I agree that early childhood intervention programs should be available to all, regardless of
income. Instead of reducing funds from existing programs that serve older children, new resources should be
allocated from Federal Funding and dispersed equally between infants, preschool, and school aged children.
Without this equality, we will be unable to fully service the needs of any child.