A review of compulsory attendance laws across the nation indicates that there are only eight states that require attendance of 5 year-olds. Forcing all children into formal education at an earlier age violates the fundamental right of parents. It will exact a heavy toll on the development of many children and weaken the role of parents in their lives. This is diametrically opposed to the message parents are currently being given, that parents need to be more involved in their children's lives. Parents cannot be more involved when the state allows the children to be with their parents for less time.
Research supports later rather than earlier entry for children for educational development.
The bottom line is that parents, who know their children best, should continue to be allowed to decide whether their child should start school at age 5 or wait until they are 6 years old. Ask your Assembly Member to oppose AB 634. If you like, you may give one or two reasons from the above list. Call and write as a parent and citizen, not as a homeschooler. This bill affects all families with young children.