It seems the debate over preschool and universal pre-k are getting started even earlier this year.

Today the Argus Leader from Sioux Falls has two articles on the subject, one examining efforts in the legislature for the past two years to set standards for private preschools, and another examining a new behavior-based preschool being started by Avera Health.

The article on official standards features a quote from South Dakota War College blogger Pat Powers:

Pat Powers of Brookings, an unsuccessful legislative candidate in June who frequently blogs on the topic of the “nanny state,” says preschool standards don’t concern him as much as more heavy-handed state actions.

“My argument has always been that if you’re going to have preschool, it’s not inappropriate for the state to set some minimum standards,” Powers says. “It should always be up to the parent to decide if the child will participate.”

Chris Hupke of the South Dakota Family Policy council, however, more closely reflects my concerns:

Where we get concerned is when the government starts pushing into an area that is already being serviced by private groups, and preschool is being served,” says Chris Hupke, president of the South Dakota Family Policy Council. “That’s our concern. Businesses, churches and private enterprise are providing the service already.”

When government starts getting involved in something, it isn’t long before that something becomes mandatory…

To read more, go to Dakota Voice.