It’s pretty hard to turn universal pre-k into a bad thing. You can argue that it may be expensive to fund, but to say that children shouldn’t have access to a free education starting at 3-years-old is a stretch. Yet that is what is happening today in some Republican circles.
USA Today writes about President Biden’s plan:
Biden is proposing $200 billion to make free prekindergarten available to all three- and four-year-olds regardless of their families’ incomes. This would be made primarily through “partnerships” with states, but the federal government would seek to work directly with preschools in states that don’t participate.
The national pre-K expansion would benefit 5 million children and save the average family $13,000, according to the White House.
J.D. Vance, the author of “Hillbilly Elegy” is one of those who say this is “terrible for children.” Huh?
Bad daycares with untrained workers who aren’t paid a livable wage are terrible for children. Early childhood programs—like every other developed nation has—have been proven to help with childhood development.
— Rachel Vindman 🌻 (@natsechobbyist) April 29, 2021
It seems Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) doesn’t want universal daycare because the Soviets had it.
i think the real question is who doesn't want universal day care for children? and why don't you? it would be a godsend for single parents or people not earning a living wage
— Snarky Panda (@TrashPandaFTW) April 29, 2021
you know who is wearing red in her profile photo? MARSHA BLACKBURN. you know who else loved red? SOVIETS.
— Erin "Skeleton Factory" Ryan (@morninggloria) April 29, 2021
Pat Buchanan, who crushed a universal childcare bill in the '70s, said "his goal was not only to kill the bill, but to kill the very idea of childcare in America." This is what we're still contending with, writes @BrigidSchulte https://t.co/GTV1R6FHQ8
— Suzanne LaBarre (@suzannelabarre) April 29, 2021
The average family would reportedly save $13,000 a year with universal pre-k.
https://twitter.com/bcgray/status/1387784888120713221
https://twitter.com/AshaRangappa_/status/1387784982978981888
Who should we actually be listening to on this issue? Educators and parents. Teachers are understandably applauding universal pre-k.
As someone who has taught and sees so much value in UPK, especially now as a kindergarten teacher, this is such great news! Looking forward to see how this is implemented #UniversalPreK #preKforAll #UPK https://t.co/7bARahCpOJ
— Alison Putman (@ABCswithMissP) April 29, 2021
Tamara Toby, an early childhood educator in Sacramento said, “all children should have access to a quality preschool program… this 3 and 4 age, they are sponges.” (Watch what else she said above from ABC Sacramento)
Omg. Have I died and gone to Heaven? 100 times yes to universal pre-k. https://t.co/BjfVNgR8N9
— Maureen Boland, Ed.D. (@moboland68) April 29, 2021
Kids who attend universal Pre-K are also more likely to take honors classes and less likely to repeat a grade. #JointAddress
— Secretary Miguel Cardona (@SecCardona) April 29, 2021