In light of the recent push to provide a public education for pre-school children, I would like to address some of the concerns in education today. More and more we are seeing a push for public funds to replace the responsibilty previously given to parents. Many of us recall a time when kindergarten was not a part of public education. Now, however, kindergarten requires a highly qualified teacher and is a normal part of the public school curriculum and requirements. We are about to add yet another grade level--prekindergarten!

Most new developments in education are because of a need. Needs cause learning and learning is growth. A child learns to walk out of a need to move more quicky from point A to point B. The automobile industry develops new cars and designs out of a need to provide safer and more efficient means of transportation. Einstein's theory of relativity grew out of a scientific need and new drugs are developed daily because of medical needs. The rise in diets and weight reducing surgery are because of a huge need (forgive the pun).

The desire for a pre-kindergarten program in public school is arising out of public outcry for funded daycare. It is being disguised in the form of education. While it is true that education begins at birth, it is also true that the primary responsibility for the kind of education children need during their first few years is parental. The love and care of a mother and father combined with all the things that being a child involves become prescriptions for the fascinating and joyous world of child rearing and development. Nothing and nobody can substitute for a parent.

Yet it seems that we are attempting to do that very thing. While structure and education becomes paramount for children as they get older, perhaps the key to success for a young child is to learn while playing. The freedom and random quality of playing is not only pleasurable and beneficial for a child but is also emotionally and mentally enriching. Children need to play. This is how they learn. We need to allow them the opportunity to play outside of the confines of educational structure.

The structure occurs soon enough and provides the kind of discipline that students need. But is there truly a need to impose the educational system before the age of 5? Obviously, in this time of fewer two parent homes and the need for both parents to work outside of the home, we are in the midst of growth in the area of daycare centers and various babysitting services.

But as we increase class sizes and force children into our prescribed public school system with its careful governance and compliance issues, we will see additional and often unnecessary discipline and restrictions. Furthermore we will burden our system with the need for more highly qualified teachers. The estimated cost for such a program is over 3 billion dollars. Most schools are overcrowded and administrators have more than enough work without adding an additional grade level to their schedule.

Before invoking a compulsory pre-kindergarten program into our present system, I would strongly suggest further study, parent input, and careful consideration of the myriad of challenges facing us as we consider educational reform.