An Argument for Federally Funded Universal Preschool

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Author
Hambleton, Margaret M. (Maggie)
Subject
Washington and Lee University, Shepherd Poverty Program
Education, Preschool
Poverty
Educational equalization
Public schools
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Margaret M. (Maggie) Hambleton is a member of the Class of 2016 of Washington and Lee University. Capstone; [FULL-TEXT FREELY AVAILABLE ONLINE] Public education is the strongest way to address our country's poverty as an institution
grounded in both political and moral reasoning. However, our current school system is
flawed with inequality. I find that inequalities in education begin even before children enter
kindergarten and the school system is never able to overcome this initial negative impact. I
propose Universal Preschool to combat these early inequalities. A universal program would
provide social, health, and educational benefits to the participant as well as providing benefits
to their families and society at large. I address the major critiques of this proposal and show
that while their arguments have validity, the potential costs of Universal Preschool are
considerably smaller than the potential benefits.