Federal Legislation	June 27, 2002

H.R. 3912-Universal Pre-Kindergarten Act

Action Requested:
None

Background:
Official purpose: To assist States in establishing a universal pre-kindergarten program to ensure that all children 3, 4, and 5 years old have access to a high-quality full-day, full-calendar-year pre-kindergarten education.

Introduced March 7, 2002 by Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH 10th)
Cosponsors

Status:
3/7/2002: Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
5/21/2002: Referred to the Subcommittee on Education Reform.
Bill Summary and Status

HSLDA's Position:
Pre-kindergarten education is becoming an increasingly popular issue in both state and federal legislatures. Recent legislation in the District of Columbia proposed compulsory attendance for 2 and 3-year-olds. H.R. 3912, if passed would authorize the assistance of States to "establish a universal pre-kindergarten program." Although present language in H.R. 3912 does not make this program mandatory, this is yet another vehicle to promote the expansion of government rule over parent's rights. HSLDA opposes any universal education programs, particularly those that risk changing state compulsory attendance laws to include 3, 4 and 5-year-olds. Present language does not define school as to include home schools.

Other Resources

H.R. 3912 (pdf)

Editorial: Some D.C. Council Members Want Compulsory Pre-School