Universal preschool has its fans and foes

The April 14 editorial opposing Proposition 84 is a classic example of “don’t trouble me with the evidence” kind of reasoning.

It misrepresents the Rand Corp. report, which is hyper-cautious in estimating that every preschool dollar California invests means a $2.62 return to the state. What’s more, it ignores recent studies of large-scale preschool programs in five states, similar in quality to what’s proposed in the June ballot measure. The research by the National Institute for Early Education Research demonstrates that children, poor and middle class alike, benefit academically from quality preschool.

While this may be news to the editorial writer, it should come as no surprise to readers of The Times: I wrote about these studies in an Op-Ed article that ran in the newspaper in December.

DAVID L. KIRP

Professor of Public Policy

UC Berkeley

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The idea of universal preschool is a misguided effort that will result in the loss of emotional, social and mental development stimulated by a carefree early childhood. There is increasing pressure year to year on children today to perform in so many areas as to leave no time for leisure. Young people must perform scholastically, socially and athletically in ways completely different from previous generations.

We are on the verge of robbing young children of carefree play and replacing childhood joy with a premature introduction to the world of chores.

Let them enjoy their early childhood, making up their own playtime, and leave the chores of school until their developmental level makes it appropriate.

MILT ROUSE

Dana Point