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Universal Preschool News

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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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Preschoolers get six new shows on NBC in partnership with Sprout channel Preschoolers will have six new shows to watch on Saturday mornings starting this weekend on NBC. The Peacock Network will launch "NBC Kids" Saturday, a new three-hour block from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. that aims to address developmental needs of preschool children and to promote healthy lifestyles. When Comcast acquired NBC Universal last year, it joined forces with Sprout, the first 24-hour channel for kids ages 2-5 and their families. by Brenna Walton July 6, 2012 [More Results from nydailynews.com]
Arroyo wants 5-year-olds included in pre-school program President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has directed the Department of Education to include five-year-old children in government-run day care centers run to strengthen and expand the DepEd's pre-school program starting June 2008. Education Secretary Jesli A. Lapus noted that "while management of day care centers still remains with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the DepEd is ready to take on this overwhelming task." by Jerry E. Esplanada April 1, 2008 [More Results from Philippine Daily Inquirer]
The pretense of preschool proposals Last week, U.S. Sen. and Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton unveiled a new proposal to fund state pre-kindergarten programs for all 4-year-old children in America. However, pre-kindergarten programs have been around for many years, and such grandiose claims have been refuted by several studies on the effectiveness of such programs. The truth is government-run pre-kindergarten programs are another huge burden on taxpayers, and, in fact, they are detrimental to children and our country. May 30, 2007 [More Results from World Net Daily]
Free preschool enjoys growth The growth of free preschools in San Joaquin County has been dramatic. Unlike existing federal and state preschool programs, these new spots in classrooms across the county don't require families to meet income eligibility requirements. The Legislature approved $50 million for preschools attached to low-performing schools. The governor's May budget revision may include more money. There are several bills in the works, including one that would fund pre-kindergarten classes much the same way as existing funding for higher grades. by Zachary K. Johnson March 13, 2007 [More Results from Recordnet]
Homeschool group uses Berkeley research to encourage parents to keep kids at home A new study on the effects of preschool on children, which finds attendance harms kids' emotional and social development, is being used by a homeschool organization to help encourage parents to educate their children at home. "The report's a bit sobering for governors and mayors â€" including those in California, Florida, Georgia, New York, North Carolina and Oklahoma â€" who are getting behind universal preschool," Fuller said. Fuller says those elected officials pushing for compulsory preschool should rethink the idea. by Ron Strom November 10, 2005 [More Results from World Net Daily]
Hispanic Directors Association Releases Report Critical of New Jersey Department of Education - Cites Flaws in Abbott Preschool Programs The Hispanic Directors Association today released an eight-page report critical of the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) and its handling of the mandatory preschool program in the state s poorest districts. "Dubious Commitment: Preschool Education in New Jersey and the Failure of State Government" was given out at the La Casa de Don Pedro Early Childhood Center in Newark. "We are issuing this report at this time because we are aware of the changing of the guard at the education department with the departures of Commissioner William Librera and Early Childhood Specialist Ellen Frede," said Daniel Santo Pietro, executive director of HDANJ. June 25, 2005 [More Results from Arrive Net]
Parents go to school on giving kids a good start Police take up the cry to get all 4-year-olds into preschool. The situation in San Leandro is not unique. A statewide survey of publicly funded preschool programs found anywhere from 20,000 to 50,000 children waiting for slots in either Head Start, state preschool programs or general child care - all of which serve low-income families.

Sponsored by Fight Crime: Invest in Kids California, the survey included responses from about 2,800 state programs, a 48 percent response rate. by Jill Tucker and Katy Murphy February 10, 2005 [More Results from The Daily Review (CA)]
Mandatory, universal preschool? The "education" lobby works tirelessly to create more jobs for its constituents. Currently that lobby, embodied in the teachers' unions, is making common cause with rich socialists like actor-producer Rob Reiner to establish "universal preschool." The state, through a tobacco tax-funded propaganda mill known as First Five California, is happily on board, buying TV advertising that trumpets the benefits of getting kids out of homes and into institutions sooner than the law currently requires.

Of course, this is all for the benefit of the children. The First Five ads, some of which feature a rich, successful white executive, declare that kids learn quicker, are better adjusted socially and less likely to become drug addicts and/or criminals if they get into institutional settings by age four. by Michael Ackley December 13, 2004 [More Results from World Net Daily]
Hand that ignores the cradle The headlines are about problems with childcare. It all comes from the conclusions of a study of cause and effect, and those study results contain some real shockers. Bottom line' Bratty, disobedient, nasty, bullies in kindergarten, whether boys or girls, are the result of out-of-home, non-Mom child care. The study conclusion shows that it is simply a result of the number of hours the child spends away from mom and dad. It doesn't matter at all whether the childcare comes from an in-home nanny (baby-sitter), with relatives or friends, or at a care center -- more hours, more trouble. by Barbara Simpson April 23, 2001 [More Results from World Net Daily]

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