Massachusetts Preschools

Now that its down to the final four lets assess where the candidate stand on increasing access to preschool for all children. We don’t have to point out that preschool is very expensive. High quality preschool is ridiculously expensive. The lack of access to high quality preschool for the majority of children hurts all of us - even if we are fortunate enough to have access to excellent preschools. This is a problem that can be solved with a relatively small investment. The real barrier is having the political will to make it happen. So without debating the merits - here is what the Associated Press reports is the position the Presidential candidates are taking on Education:

Clinton:

• $10 billion for universal preschool
• Replace No Child Left Behind (widely believed to have hurt access to and quality of preschool for most children)
• $10,000 college scholarships for each year of national service performed

Obama:

• $18 billion for preschool combined with increases in teacher pay
• $4,000 college tax credit for community service

McCain:

• Vouchers for school choice
• Increase community-college aid

Huckabee:

• Give more authority to the states to run education (believe No Child Left Behind over step federal authority)

That’s it. That where they stand. Think about it this fall.

Tags: preschool, preschool in massachusetts, presidential candidates, universal preschool