Idaho's Best Preschool is the Home

According to the Associated Press and Idaho Statesman, the state has decided it will not be tempted by federal dollars to put unsustainable preschool programs in our communities and further erode Idaho families. Millions of dollars were at stake in the U.S. Department of Education's "Race to the Top" contest, millions of federal dollars with the underlying purpose of intruding into states' educational responsibilities and creating a dependence on the federal government.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Luna, rightly said no thank you to the feds for the one-time funding opportunity.

It is always difficult to look education money in the eye and walk away. But this money was not for technology infrastructure, or AP science and math enhancements. It was for social programs that preceded Idaho's fine system of public schooling, and would truly become addictive once put into our financial and educational blood streams.

There are other issues too. First, there is a reason that "1st Grade" is called First Grade. It is the first, initial, beginning, original, foundational, at the start, before any other, start-up grade for a child to become a student and begin formal schooling. It is after all the "First" grade by name and by definition.

Of course children do not need to wait for first grade to begin learning. That is what older siblings are for, grandmothers, and yes, parents themselves. But it is a precious time, those years between birth and ages 5 or 6, when some will elect to attend Kindergarten programs, and most will then enter First Grade. I see it every day, with my 26 month-old grand baby. Oh my. She learns everyday. And yes, some from television, but much from her grandmother and parents. Sometimes I am useful, but I think I am more for her entertainment.

Regardless, small children are the responsibility of their parents and families, and Idaho's fine, free, public education kicks in with first grade, or kindergarten for some. Let the children play. Let them learn and grow with their families. They will certainly be in our schools soon enough, and eroding money off of our Constitutionally mandated education, for preschool would be unwise.

Make no mistake about it, the free federal money will leave and we would be expected to maintain programs that like an elixir endrunkened us to continuing expectation, we would be hooked on the convenience of non-familial responsibility, and one day cry with pains of withdrawal for more funding.

Better to just say no from the get go. Keep babies in their homes, or in day-care or with nannies or even private preschools for the wealthy - they will buy what they want anyway. No funding program will ever level the disparities between poor and wealthy. Our educators and legislature must keep its eye on our Constitutional charge and not be distracted by easy money from a desperate White House.

This was the right call by Idaho, and its educator-in-chief.