Dean Kaufert on 4 yr old Kindergarten

Dean Kaufert on 4 yr old Kindergarten in the Milwaukee JS:

Rep. Dean Kaufert (R-Neenah), co-chairman of the (Senate Budget) committee, said he supported cuts to 4-year-old kindergarten. "I just worry about it being subsidized day care for certain children," he said

Analysis: Kaufert is attempting to align with the party talk that this is an un-needed taxpayer expense. This position likely comes from the idea that there is no immediate ascertainable benefits to business owners and those that fund election campaigns and hold influential community positions.

The 4 year old kindergarten program should be supported in Madison. This program is widely supported by teachers and school administrators, and those that work in the social service industry. The 4 year old kindergarten program provides educational and developmental programs to young children who may be in great need of these services to prepare them for the K-8 school day. Many children who participate will show gains in social behavior and educational success, as well as an improved school integration.

In many cases, the state can either provide the initial support needed to many children to prepare them for effective learning and participation in our society, or the state can pay for many of these students at a later date.

There is also discussion about this topic here.