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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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McClaughry: Shumlin's universal preschool fantasy Politicians know that repeating a statement time and again, and evading or brushing off any challenge to its truthfulness, can make themselves leaders of public opinion - and thus more able to achieve their political objectives. Perhaps the most glaring current example of this practice is Gov. Peter Shumlin's repeated declaration that $1 spent now on universal preschool education saves the taxpayers anywhere from $7 to $14 "down the road." President Obama also repeated that 7:1 claim in his State of the Union address, where he, like Shumlin, called for more billions in preschool expenditures. by John McClaughry February 21, 2013 [More Results from vtdigger.org]
Bob Kingsbury, New Hampshire Legislator, Explains Remarks Linking Kindergarten To Higher Crime A Republican lawmaker in New Hampshire explained his controversial statement last week that kindergarten leads to higher crime was based on statistics: He found a 400 percent jump in crime in towns with this early childhood education program, he claimed. Last week Rep. Bob Kingsbury (R-Laconia) told fellow Belknap County lawmakers that research he has conducted since 1996 shows a connection between the state's kindergarten program and higher crime rates, attributing it to children being taken "away from their mothers too soon." Kingsbury discussed with The Huffington Post on Tuesday his research showing a dramatic jump in crime. "The sources I have is I went to the Department of Education and got a list of kindergartens and I went to the safety department and got the crime report," he said. "In general, the towns with a kindergarten have 400 percent more crime than other towns in the same county. In every county the towns and cities with kindergarten had more crime." by John Celock July 3, 2012 [More Results from huffingtonpost.com]
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]
County readies for free preschool Universal preschool â€" or free and voluntary preschool for all â€" is creating a huge buzz in California, with the prospect looming of a June 2006 ballot initiative led by Rob Reiner to fund such as proposal. First 5 Commission leads effort to create countywide program. Contra Costa County had been mulling the idea for free preschool for more than a year now. But on Thursday, about 75 representatives of early childhood education, private preschools, K-12 school districts, the parent community and nonprofit organizations met to begin the planning process. by Rebecca F. Johnson, June 3, 2005 [More Results from Inside Bay Area - Tri-Valley Herald (CA)]

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