Michael Smith's concern for children's well being is understandable, but misplaced. Contrary to Smith's assertions, meaningful parent involvement is a key element of all quality pre-k programs. Moreover, decades of solid academic research have proven that children who attend high-quality, voluntary pre-k programs have stronger educational and social skills than children who do not.

Currently 41 states have some type of publicly funded pre-k program and none of them are compulsory, nor should they be. Parent choice is paramount in any pre-k system and naturally, some families opt out altogether. Add to this the fact that most programs are half day, and Smith's concerns about family disruption are without merit.

High-quality, voluntary pre-k complements and enhances good parenting. A good pre-k program is built around parents' expectations; they should feel welcome and involved. Pre-k is the perfect opportunity to engage parents early in their child's education.

Finally, it is important to note that working mothers and stay-at-home mothers opt to send their children to pre-k at virtually the same rates. As Smith himself says, "Supporting what we know works and allowing parents to freely choose is the wisest course of action for a child's early education." Armed with evidence from more than 40 years of studies showing the benefits of pre-k, families are doing just that.

Libby Doggett, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Pre-K Now

I wish to thank the taxpayers of Windsor Southwest Supervisory Union for supporting the Preschool Collaborative for the past three years. Now in its fourth year, the collaborative has been able to provide approximately 90 percent of 3- and 4-year-olds in eight towns with a quality preschool experience. This has enabled them to arrive in kindergarten with the skills they need to succeed, such as the ability to: follow directions and routines; wait and listen to instruction; take turns and share; and use writing instruments and tools appropriately.

While some children can receive these skills at home, those who do not face an uphill battle to catch up. Kindergarten is no longer the free-play experience it was when many of us were children; it is now what first grade used to be. The advantages of receiving quality early education are many, including reduced needs for special education, better elementary test scores, increased high school and college graduation rates, and more positive employment opportunities.

Please continue to support families with young children — the economic health of our communities will also prosper in the long run as our children arrive in kindergarten ready to succeed.