Expanding Preschool

Recently, universal preschool has been mentioned multiple times in political speeches and debates, and as a parent, it got me thinking. I personally remember the cost of preschool since both of us had to work, but I also saw the results of the preschool experience for my children who are excelling in their grades (I like to think some of it was we as parents as wellJ).

Do you know any preschool teachers? Do you know how much they earn per year? I will not tell you, but I suggest you find out for yourself.

Whether you agree or disagree with universal preschool for all, why can’t we just talk about it in a civilized manner without labels, insults, fear, and derision? Why does every potential education discussion have to be about politics? http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/15/us/politics/obama-visits-georgia-to-rally-support-for-preschool-plan.html?_r=0, http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130215/POLITICS03/302150353, http://www.salon.com/2013/02/14/why_expanding_preschool_is_a_no_brainer/, http://www.salon.com/2013/02/14/why_expanding_preschool_is_a_no_brainer/.

Yes, there will be cost involved; anything that is designed to help students will have a cost attached to it. However, we need also need to ask ourselves: what will the gains be and do we truly have children’s best interest at heart? It is ok to have a spirited debate about this topic, but at this stage in the discussion, let us leave the politics out of it and just talk as human beings with facts.

We are trying to help students right?

Dr Flavius A B Akerele III

The ETeam