Whatever happened to childhood?

Dear Editor:
I just had to comment upon the statement in a recent letter to the editor: “My child has just completed the playschool program and I feel that it has prepared her for junior kindergarten.”
Whatever happened to childhood! Kindergarten was established many years ago, though not necessary in all cases, to assist in the ‘school transistion’. It can be be a big help to some children. Terrific.
Then awhile back, in order to boost flagging enrolments - and the hoped-for corresponding influx of revenue to the school boards - early enrollment to Kindergarten was suggested. No thought was given to Dr. Benjamin Bloom’s research which showed children, especially boys, should not enter a formal reading program until they are 7-1/2 or 8. Fine.
Perhaps someone in authority, and too many kids around the house, expounded the notion of Junior Kindergartens. This ‘class’ would assist the ‘transition’ to Kindergarten. It was also a great and cheap babysitting service. Wonderful.
Well, time progressed but not so thinking ability. Apparently children needed another ‘transition’, this one into Junior Kindergarten! My goodness. I suppose the next ‘transition’ will be Junior Nursery School.
Nuff said. You get the picture.
J. Graham Ducker
Supervisor In Primary Methods, Retired.