Universal Preschool - Government Support and Financing

Part 1 The growing relevance of Universal preschool education across the world is a pointer to its relevance. I am of the opinion that the government should support and finance preschool education via grants whose payment is made to not only public, but also private sector educational providers. This is a model that has already been tested, tried, and applied in Great Britain. Studies conducted on this front have demonstrated that the relevance of preschool programs cannot be overstated when it come to the social development of children (Swiniarski, 2007).

Here, these programs have a positive impact in the enhancement of a child’s communication abilities – more so given that one of the learning goals identified encompasses communication, language, and literacy (Swiniarski, 2007). Universal preschool education has, however, been criticized on some fronts. Questions have specifically been raised on whether the rapid growth of the programs at present can sustain quality. Some, like Finn (2010), call it naïve.

I am of the opinion that if the learning goals remain relevant, focused, and well-funded, then such concerns fueling dissent towards the program can be adequately addressed. Finn (2010) is also of the opinion that preschool education is only needed by a small proportion of kids, i.e. kids from impoverished backgrounds where adults are likely to be ill prepared to offer such kids meaningful cognitive growth opportunities. Doggert and Wat (2010) however argue that “the United States has rejected separate systems for students from different backgrounds” (p. 9).

Finn (2010) is one of the foremost critics of Universal preschool education. However, even in his criticism of the program, he readily admits that the society has a responsibility to upgrade human talent. He further states that there is need to ensure that every person is offered a fighting chance to boost both their skills and intellectual capabilities. As Doggert and Wat (2010) point out, “the United States can’t ‘race to the top’ when many children are not even at the starting line” (p. 8).

Preschool education would come in handy in seeking to limit the number of children with learning deficits that find their way into kindergarten. This would contribute towards the preparation of children towards a more dynamic learning environment and academic setup that extends all the way to university. In the final analysis, when it comes to the cognitive growth, intellectual arousal, and creative development of children, the relevance of preschool education cannot be overstated.

Part 2 The author of the article offers a compelling reason for his backing of government funded universal preschool. From the onset, the author points out that although he is not supportive of government intervention in some aspects, he is convinced that when it comes to preschool education, the government ought to play a significant role.

It is important to note that the author points out that during their professional engagement (as a special educational teacher), he has encountered several instances of kids in kindergarten failing to comprehend or learn basic fundamentals of mathematic and literacy.