Controversial Preschool Post

You're drawn to this post because it has the word "controversial" in the title, aren't you?  

Well, before we get to the drama, let me take a minute to briefly revisit the "patience" post.  I really appreciate all the thoughtful responses and comments (both on the blog and through private correspondence); they really made me think and inspired me to strive to improve a number of areas in my own life.  
While I realized when writing it that the post was somewhat vent-like, I didn't mean it to come across quite so heavy-handed. I meant it more as an admission that patience is something I really, really struggle with, which is probably more closely tied to why that particular phrase irks me.  The responses reminded me that there is always more to the story than what is plainly evident, and that we're all forging ahead the best we can.  

And it makes me not want to write this post.

But, I've been putting off writing this post for almost three years now and it just will. not. leave me alone.  So, I'm writing it as carefully as I can (which I already know may not be carefully enough), with the fervent hope that people will consider this opinion as just that, an opinion worth considering.

******

I think there are a few hard and fast rules about parenting.  If your child is hungry, you provide sustenance.  You change diapers when necessary.  You put them in car seats when they're little.  You don't abuse your children or knowingly allow them to be abused by others.   

And there is a LOT of gray area.  The topic of preschool definitely falls in that gray area.  

I know I have strong opinions on this topic and (contrary to my more typical logorrhea) I am generally able to bite my tongue and keep my views to myself in casual conversations with acquaintances and friends. 

I voice them now only because I feel like my views are the minority and becoming increasingly so; the advocates of earlier and earlier entry into preschool are loud and persuasive and determined.  I almost never hear any arguments for choosing a different course, and I worry that sometimes people just get carried along with the crowd, assuming that since "everyone is doing it," it must be the "right" choice.  It got to the point where I started feeling like a coward for not even trying to speak up.

So I'm speaking up.  

I'm not a fan of preschool.  In most instances, I don't think it's best for the child, or the family, or our society.

All that being said, and before I go further to explain my reasoning, let me add an additional level of caution and clarification... When I think about these issues, there is a division in my mind.  On a macro, or societal level, I have intense opinions and feel the need to raise my voice in strong support of what I believe.  

On a micro, or individual level however, I'm fine with whatever a person chooses (as long as it doesn't violate one of those hard and fast parenting rules) because it's just that - their choice.  And the only judgment I feel safe making is that the person or family has thoughtfully and carefully (and hopefully prayerfully) made the decision that is best for them and their family. Period.

******

Before you write me off as some crazy, anti-public education, homeschooling extremist, you should know that I was against preschool way back when I was also against homeschooling. 

My reasons for opposing preschool are multi-faceted. Where to start?  

How about with the, "If you don't send your children to preschool they'll be academically behind" argument?

We've all read the articles and studies touting the academic benefits of preschool, right?  The media is saturated with sensational assertions such as, "some kids might already be irreparably behind if they do not attend preschool!"

Ah, but did you happen to notice the asterisk next to those studies?  You know, the disclaimer that explains that those studies have really only found significant benefits among disadvantaged students?  And that most long-term studies suggest that even those benefits are largely lost by third grade?

Many experts agree that there is no evidence that healthy children from healthy homes benefit from preschool at all:

"Research suggests that preschool only benefits children from these disadvantaged families (in particular, families that are below the poverty line, whose mothers are uneducated, or who are racial minorities). A bad home situation becomes a much smaller problem when your kid goes to preschool; when you have a good home environment, preschool doesn’t really matter."

So, for the sake of this post, let's ignore the needs of the disadvantaged children and discuss middle and upper class children, who come from relatively stable homes where one parent is able to stay at home.  

Simply put, there is no academic advantage to be gained by sending those children to preschool.

And you might be surprised to learn that there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that preschool attendance can result in academic disadvantages:

"Zigler cites research showing that conversations children have at home with parents, siblings, and family may be the richest source of linguistic and cognitive enrichment for children from all but the most deprived backgrounds. He also cites research showing that premature schooling can slow or reduce a child’s overall development by replacing valuable playtime... 

"By attempting to teach the wrong things at the wrong time, early instruction can permanently damage a child’s self- esteem, reduce a child’s natural eagerness to learn, and block a child’s natural gifts and talents."

******

What about the, "it's better for them socially" argument?

Unfortunately, research suggests that, "the only lasting effect of average [preschool] programs...for all kids is a modest increase in behavior problems by fifth grade." 

I'm not against social interaction!  In fact, the only time I've been at all tempted to put Bryce in preschool is when I realized all his four-year old friends attended preschool, so he no longer had anyone to play with during the days.  I think it's great that kids spend lots of time interacting and learning and playing with friends.  I'd just argue that during their early years, those things are better done at home, with parents nearby to help guide and direct the situations.  Quite frankly, there's a whole lot of "socialization" that I'd rather my very impressionable 3, 4, and 5 year olds NOT be exposed to.
Another common social-type argument is, "my child really likes it," which is a completely valid reason, but I'm not sure it's a sufficient reason.  There are lots of things my kids would like (candy for all their meals, no bedtimes, etc) that I choose not to allow because I don't think it's best for them.
******
Or what about the slippery slope argument?

Let's take a brief look at the history of early childhood education in the United States.  In 1920 (less than one hundred years ago), about 11% of children attended kindergarten.  In 1965, between 50-85% of five-year olds attended kindergarten.  By the 1980's, those numbers swelled to 82-95%.  And that's kindergarten.  

When Kindergarten was first introduced, many parents balked. "Why would we want to send our children to school so young?"

"Don't worry," they were soothed, "this will be mostly play based, and it will only be for a short time every day, and it will be voluntary."  Sound familiar?  

Slippery slope.

How about preschool?  In 1965 the Head Start program was begun.  At that time, data indicated that only 5% of three- year-olds and 16% of four-year-olds attended preschool.  Today, those numbers are closer to 40% percent of 3-year-olds and 70% of four-year-olds.

Proponents of Universal Preschool celebrate these trends as progress; I find them terrifying.  We've become so accustomed to four and five year olds going to "school," that we hardly blink an eye.  How young does it have to go before it terrifies you?

As we continue to follow the paths of other European nations, consider these statistics: In Belgium, preschool enrollment begins at 2.5 years old and reaches almost 100% by age 3.  France enrolls 100% of children in government-supported preschools from the age of 3. 

Think that won't happen here?  It already is.  Just a couple months ago, in his State of the Union speech, President Obama called for Universal Preschool, saying he wants to "make high-quality preschool available to every single child in America.”

It's a feel-good pitch, one that appeals to our ideas of fairness and equal opportunity.  And the idea has powerful backers, such as the teacher's unions (more government jobs!), working parents ("free" daycare!), and many others.

But, upon closer examination, the underlying assumptions and possible outcomes leave me queasy. 
For one, consider the current idea that these preschools will be "voluntary."  I'm sure they will begin that way, but how long with that remain the case?  Many policymakers have been forthright in calling for extending compulsory education to preschoolers.  I mentioned before that I support your right to choose to send your child to preschool, but I hate the idea that my three or four year old will be compelled by law to leave my home.
Another concern: many are so accustomed to this practice they question, "So?? What's the big deal about kids going to preschool early?"  
I'm afraid we're relinquishing responsibility and time with our children at younger and younger ages, all the while swallowing the line that, "it's better for them."  We're slowly being convinced we as parents are not "enough" for our children, and we need to "turn them over to the experts."  If anything, I think we should be advancing the opposite ideal, by stressing how vital and important and capable and necessary good parents are. As Elder L. Tom Perry teaches, 

"Teaching in the home is becoming increasingly important in today’s world, where the influence of the adversary is so widespread and he is attacking, attempting to erode and destroy the very foundation of our society, even the family. Parents must resolve that teaching in the home is a most sacred and important responsibility."

I think most people inherently believe that the best place for a young child is in a safe, loving home with their parents.  I imagine the biggest difference of opinion might be at what age kids should begin to have extended periods of time away from home.  
I recognize that a major part of our responsibility as parents is to help our children become capable, independent adults, and that necessarily requires them to learn to function independent of us.  I would just argue that sometimes, later is better than earlier.  
There is little debate that the first few years of a child's life are indeed their "formative" years.  Their brains are growing and developing, and they are learning at a dizzying pace.  I reject the idea that the best place for these impressionable minds is in an institutional environment, being fed a one-size-fits-all, government developed curriculum.  

Additionally, if we're talking about nurturing individual spirits, children of God, aren't we better off focusing these "formative" years on the development of character and relationships, trust and love?  And where better to do that than in the home?  Their early years at home are so fleeting, why be in a hurry to expose them to outside influences sooner than necessary, or sooner than they are ready to deal with them?

Do I think that attending preschool is going to hurt little Johnny or little Susie?  Probably not significantly.  But I do think all these Johnnys' and Susies' leaving their homes and going to preschool does harm society.  And I think we're barreling along the wrong path at break-neck speed.
******
As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, my intention in writing this is to offer an uncommon opinion and point of view.  I am not trying to cause anyone to feel guilty about their choices or to create another mommy-war sub-topic.
I know many will disagree with my opinions.  I'm fine with that.  I'm used to that.  I welcome that! I know lots of people disagree with our choice to homeschool, but the vast majority are still respectful and even supportive of our choice.  I feel the same way about those who choose to send their children to preschool.