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Monday, March 31, 2008
Who should prepare kids for kindergarten?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Eileen Drennen wrote about a program that prepares 3- and 4-year-olds for kindergarten. The program, which operates out of an apartment complex in Norcross, is a partnership between parents and the United Way.
Nonprofit groups have worked for years to provide low-income children with quality pre-school and pre-kindergarten. But they can’t reach everyone. What happens to the kids they can’t help?
Georgia already offers universal pre-kindergarten for 4-year-olds and there has been talk about expanding the program to 3-year-olds.
Some argue the state shouldn’t teach more children until it can provide quality education to its k-12 students. They question why the state should get involved when part of the problem comes from poor parenting.
Supporters stress how critical the first five years of life are for children. They say strong programs prepare children for school by increasing their language and reasoning skills. Studies show students who enter kindergarten prepared are less likely to repeat grades, drop out or need special education programs.
How important are school readiness programs? Who should provide them?
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