Opinion: Preschool not always the best choice
By Megan McArdle, Bloomberg
Universal preschool has become the ginseng of American politics, a sort of broad-spectrum nostrum that will cure almost anything that ails you. Inequality, male-female pay gaps, crime, poverty — just apply some early childhood programs, and watch those maladies fade. Expect to hear this a lot from Hillary Clinton in the coming presidential race.
And what kind of a crotchety, sour, greedy old columnist could be opposed to such a wonderful idea? I’m so glad you asked.
In truth, I am not opposed to early childhood education programs. I am opposed to blind boosterism of such programs, the kind that confidently predicts marvelous results from thin empirical evidence, and briskly proceeds to demand huge sums be spent accordingly.
My child benefitted immensly from his preschool experience. It was his first experience in putting trust into other adults besides his parents. He made friends that he is still involved with as an 8th grader. He learned many social graces, like shareing, being patient, talking in turn, and waiting in line. All of these things gave him an edge when he entered kindergarten. If I ask him today about his favorite time of his life (so far) he always says “preschool”!