Granted, you may not have needed the pre-k or kindergarten classes back then when out educational system wasn't as lenient, but the world has changed since then, and people have become more and more lazy, and ignorant. Our kids NEED the educational systems to step it up and put our kids in their places. The earlier they start, the better.

Jessyca, there are numerous studies that indicate that if a child does not start formal education until age 6, he or she will be just as far along by age 7 as those who attend pre-k or kindergarten. Some educators strongly recommend holding your child out of school until age 6 and some say age 7. I grant you that there are some children in dysfunctional households who need to be away from the bad influences they are exposed to at home... and pre-k and kindergarten provide that escape, but for a typical child in a loving home I'm not sold on starting before age 6. Where the schools have really fallen down is with the higher achieving students who are being dumbed down by the educational system we have today and not allowed to advance as quickly as their abilities allow. Thanks for commenting.

Also some comments to the column posted at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BARTOWBUZZARD/posts/189228271113783?ref=notif&notif_t=share_comment

I agree with Jessyc. Research and experience has shown the absolute value of early education not only for children who are vulnerable for failure but also for those who come from very advantaged backgrounds. I suggest that before you take a position, read the research on the value and importance of early education.
My grandson (age 2) has been in a privately funded day program for a year - his language and basic concept development is phenemonal. Keep in mind this is $1000 a month. The public school pre-K programs are equally valuable - not everyone can pay $1000 a month!
I become dismayed when the Republican party has one mantra - cut taxes and cut programs. Please examine your priorities and don't throw out the babies with the bathwater! And if you're not happy with public schools, get involved and make them better - they are what made and continue to make our country's success or not success.

Chuck, I agree with you. I think the previous commentors are the example of what the point is that you were trying to get across. Once you start government funded programs, it's extremely difficult, if not impossible, to remove them. My mother stayed home with me until kindergarten and I was able to read and write by the time I started school. In fact, I was more advanced and more mature than most of my class. And since I'm only 31 years old, it wasn't that long ago that there has been a total change in the educational system. Today teachers don't want parents to give their children a head start because sometimes it doesn't fall in line with what the unions propogate. This is what the "value of early education" is. It's clear that teachers have an agenda to follow when you can graduate high school without knowing how to read! Maybe people have become more lazy and ignorant but that's only because they have been taught how to be by the public school system. The lack of individual responsibility has created a terrible pit for Americans. The only way to climb out is to cut off and give people the opportunity to help themselves and stop looking to the government to fix their problems.

I think it's interesting that the "Have's" (as in your mother able to stay home) are so interested and committed to converting the vulnerable. Sometimes folks need a helping hand rather than a "you're not doing your best." When all of our children are provided an opportunity, we all benefit. My last comment on this. Maybe.

Hal I have been involved with the public schools. I served on the Bartow County Board of Education in the 1990's and have been involved in other education endeavors, and yes I have read much research on the pro's and cons of early formal education such as pre-k and kindergarten. One of the recurring themes is that most children are not socially mature enough to attend school until age 7, and that by by starting later they handle school better socially and academically as they reach middle & high school. Hal when I grew up we were barely middle class - not "Haves"... but most mothers of that time took their calling to be a mother as more important than earning additional income or having a career.

My parents survived just fine on my father's "commission-only, no benefits" paycheck. They may have sacrificed vacations or brand new cars but they did it because they wanted to give me the best start possible. Today's helping hands turn into a lifetime of hand holding-again what the author was trying to get across. Last time I checked, pre-k was voluntary, nonetheless, tax payer funded. Herein lies the problem. I'm starting to get confused though, isn't the 12+years of schooling supposed to teach our youth? Pre-k then starts to just be another daycare and still, if people really want the pre-pre-pre learning, all daycare facilities should change their curriculums since daycares are paid for by the individuals attending. Then your family could give that extra $1000 to underprivileged children since this country provides no opportunities to anyone.

Pre-K and Kindergarten have become free day care; little else. That is why so many families are upset. They would much rather have free "daycare" provided than to have to pay for it. I should not have to pay for this. They have the children, it is their responsibility to provide daycare for them if needed, without expecting someone else to pick up the tab.

"but most mothers of that time took their calling to be a mother as more important than earning additional income or having a career." ....that is one of the saddest statements I have ever heard. Shame on you.