Universal preschool, universal benefits

Most parents know intuitively what studies have proven: Children’s first years are prime time for learning. Some states are recognizing this and making prekindergarten schooling a top priority. Indeed, "pre-K" should be available to every child because the benefits go far beyond a child’s school years.

One far-reaching study, begun in the 1960s, followed a group of low- income children in Michigan from preschool through adulthood. The research, called the High/Scope Perry Preschool Study, showed children who had pre-K education were more likely to graduate from high school, less likely to go on welfare or spend time in jail, and had slightly higher incomes than those who didn’t have such a learning advantage.

The benefits of pre-K for children in all income groups is what drives today’s supporters. Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, for instance, wants to include all 3- and 4-year-olds in his pre-K initiative. And this year, Florida will become the third state to offer pre-K to all 4-year-olds.

Full Story: http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0327/p08s02-comv.html?s=hns