The Biden administration is set on ensuring every disadvantaged toddler has access to a preschool. To some parents, the idea of sending their toddler off to preschool sounds like a dream. Finally, a break from a demanding toddler who just refuses to nap. Finally, the government offering a “free” babysitting service to some parents who desperately need it.

What are the effects of state-run preschool?

As many of us know, it is important to follow the science because if we don’t, we are immediately dismissed and become a danger to society. The science tells us that state-run pre-K is not the way to go, especially if the child is considered disadvantaged. A 2022 study found on PubMed that included 2,900 children from low-income families shows that “the children randomly assigned to attend pre-K had lower state achievement test scores in third through sixth grades than control children, with the strongest negative effects in sixth grade.” The study also reveals, “A negative effect was also found for disciplinary infractions, attendance, and receipt of special education services.”

If the idea of that alone time and free babysitting still sounds appealing to parents, Chalkbeat Tennessee reports: “There’s too much focus on group instruction and rigid behavioral controls… Even discussion during ‘story time’ is generally limited to questions with a single ‘right’ answer, instead of engaging children to think more deeply.”

It is unrealistic to expect preschoolers to have deep and philosophical thoughts, and rigid instruction time with limited thought processes are not realistic either. Those who have been or are parents to preschool-aged children know that it is almost impossible to keep their child restricted and still for even a moment. At this age, children ought to be involved in free play and allowed the freedom to develop their own thoughts with the guidance of their parents. In fact, many homeschool parents with children of this age do not encourage formal instruction until age seven.

Although the intent of “free” state-run pre-K sounds like an attempt to help parents and give children a leg up with their education, that is not the case. As school districts across our country talk about the wonders of the “whole child” approach, we must remember that this is merely an attempt to further remove a child from the parents. When schools attempt to care for a child’s every need, the parent becomes an object in the way of the school. Suddenly, that alone time and free babysitter don’t sound so great after all.

Parenthood is tough and it is a lifetime commitment. Parenthood often comes with no breaks and turning down invites for a night around town. Social media does a great job of telling young parents what a drag parenthood is. But let us remember that our children at any age are a blessing, tough times will pass, and we the parents direct the upbringing of our children, not the government.