UNIVERSAL PRESCHOOL

Till recently Six year was a magic number in life of a person. At this age or around that number, a big change takes places in every ones life all over the world – “School Admission” At that age you leave the cozy and safe environments of “home” and enter the arena of unknown world, the school, where all of a sudden you are thrown amongst a bunch of kids your age and you are forced to learn the social skills in a practical way. All of a sudden, you have to cope with the authority of a teacher instead of mother or father. This authority figure, most of the time, was impersonal, seemingly loveless and more authoritarian and discipline conscious.

That borderline was established for decades and centuries all over the world, wherein; institutional, governmental authority starts intruding in the life of a person. Parents are required to relinquish some of their authority over their children to Schoolteachers and staffs, which in turn are under control of higher authorities, say Local Governments, State or Federal Governments.

Thus Pre-school is defined the age group from 3 to 5 years. So far, in the industrial societies, where both parents become part of the work force, children of this age group were left under the supervision of either in-house grand-parents, or voluntarily to privately run “Day Care Centers.” Regulations under which the Day Care Centers run are minimal. Thus there are not many expectations except that the Childs’ physical needs are taken care of.

Recent discoveries in child psychology have determined that in fact the years 3 to 5 are most significant in the intellectual development of a person. Some innovative entrepreneurs have devised very good programs for this age group, such as Montessori System. But the benefits of these advanced methods are available to the children of enlightened parents and since these come with a stiff price, most parents skip this option, particularly when virtually free alternative in the form of live-in grand-parents is available (at least in the case of Asian Culture Immigrants Families).

In the advanced western countries rapid changes are taking place in the educational systems to address the paramount needs of 3-5 years group. Ahead of the pack is France with Italy as close second. In France, a very extensive and rigorous one-year course followed by a tough examination for certification as a Pre-school teacher is a must. But since the pay scales and the respect now being accorded to these pres-school teachers is equivalent or even better than high school teachers, these programs have started attracting best talent available. It certainly is an enviable situation.

In USA, many years back, a need base attempt was made in “Head Start” program. This program is mainly for a few months before the start of the formal school year and mainly for the under privileged families. But now a full-fledged debate is underway here in USA as to the necessity of “UNIVERSAL PRE-SCHOOL” programs. Interestingly there are no two opinions about its extreme usefulness and advantages. Only thing standing in the way of its adoption is COST.

The First State in the Union to adopt it is Georgia. Also in Chicago certain School Districts have ventured on their own and started this much-needed program. These initiatives have passed their first tests with flying colors. Think Tanks like “Brookings Institute” have given a close scrutiny to these programs and their evaluations are all kudos for them. Tremendous advantages cited are, appreciable fall in drop out rate in later school years, more aspirants and achievers for college education, better citizens, seeds of success get planted and life long love of learning.

Another key word in administration of this program is “QUALITY.” Nation wide program in France gives highest rank to Quality of teachers, their training and their performance. Quality brings reputation for institutions and teachers. In Chicago parents are seen lining up overnight at admission times to get their children in. Quality and Reputation go hand in hand. Khalsa Montessori School in Phoenix is probably the most loved school in the area and has a long waiting list for admission. After admission parents drive scores of miles every day to bring their kids to school and to take them back. This century is of the “BRAIN POWER.” The race has already started to gain as much advantage as possible.

Here is an enormous opportunity and challenge to all the community leaders, specially the Managements of the Gurdawaras all over the country nay the world. Fortunately, the Sikhs have no duality. Even the name is “Sikh” meaning Student. A Sikh is a Student from birth till death. Further, Guru Angad Dev Ji has ordained, “Vidya Veechaari Tan Parupkari” (Pursuit of Knowledge is the road to Service of Humanity). In actuality, Gurdawaras should be our Institutes of learning, for all ages. The programs should be structured to address the educational needs of the entire community. It is admirable that many Gurdawaras have started paying attention to establishing “Sunday Schools.” But the performance of most of these Sunday Schools is much less than desirable. Quality is lacking in the school management and in the teaching staff, stuff and mainly muddled goals. Worst of all these schools and our children are the victims and casualties of fierce, unending and resource draining personal political fights, both in house and in courts.

The age group 3-5 has not yet been even addressed in this process. On the other hand, Gurdawara facilities are ideal. Main Darbar Halls with Langar Halls are mostly not used during daytime from Monday to Friday. Of course some additions and minor modifications will be needed to jump start a daily “Pre-school Program.” Let me also share that already, a new factor is being considered in our national debate. A top agenda item is that Government should encourage assist and take cost advantages of religious and charitable organization in implementing similar national goals, such as “Universal Pre-School.” Time is ripe for enlightened leadership in Gurdawaras to come forward and accept this challenge and at the same time reap benefits for our posterity from this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Here is a preliminary rough Action Plan  to get you going:

Get a few say five like minded and committed families. Look into the legal and administrative requirements. Best place to contact the County Department of Human Resources. Survey the community for possible students their ages and family profiles. Many parents may find it difficult to drop and pick up kids because of their job hours and traffic situations. You may have to work out assistance by way of arranging car pools or voluntary/paid car pick up services by community elders. Encourage families to entrust their kids to these more conducive system rather than their current arrangements at home. Enlist support of elders to provide meaningful assistance in running the program. Teachers and their Quality must not be compromised. May be the Principal of Khalsa Montessori School in Phoenix could give some guidelines and assistance in teachers training. Explore what grants are available at City, County, State or Federal levels. Most of all have faith in Guru Ji, who would lead you to right contacts and resources.

Jasbir Singh Sethi

Houston

August 26, 2003