Is making preschool universally available a good idea? Governor Rod Blagojevich of Illinois thinks so. His proposal to offer universal preschool to all 3- and 4- year-olds in the Land of Lincoln would be the first of its kind in the nation (several other states have universal preschool for 4-year-olds), and he's adamant about seeing the legislature pass it. "We will roll up our sleeves and we will fight," Blagojevich said. And Illinois is not alone. In June, Californians will vote on Proposition 82, which would offer 3 hours of preschool each day to its 4-year-olds by 2010. Virginia's Governor Tim Kaine is also pushing universal preschool through his Strong Start Initiative. While there's little doubt that high-quality preschool programs can benefit youngsters-especially underprivileged and minority students- how do states intend to ensure consistent quality once these programs are brought to scale? Universal preschool is a good idea, but only if it is voluntary, cognitive (i.e., not supervised playtime), and allows parents to choose among providers. If Illinois, Virginia, and California can meet those necessary conditions-while maintaining high quality instruction-then more power to them.
"Doubts cast on preschool proposal,"by Diane Rado and Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, February 13, 2006
"Kaine Preschool Initiative To Get State Study,"by Charlie Jackson, Leesburg Today, February 15, 2006
"Should California pay for preschool?," By Dana Hull, San Jose Mercury News, February 12, 2006