We don't dispute that home school can be a wonderful alternative for families with the financial resources, education, time and commitment to make it work. But we also believe that it is unwise public policy to create a financial incentive for people to keep their children out of kindergarten.

This debate probably turns on different views of what two words - home and school - mean to different people.

Our view is that economic necessity requires both parents in most Utah homes to work outside that home. And many homes have only one parent. For those families, home schooling is not a realistic option.

What's more, an income-tax credit might give an incentive for some of the poorest Utahns to keep their kids out of public school, but not provide them with any home education beyond a television set. That, unfortunately, would compound the deficit that some children have when they enter school.

So while many well-meaning parents might do a good job of educating their children in a home school, we believe that teachers with expertise in early childhood education likely will do an even better job.

Preschool and kindergarten also are about socialization - learning to get along with others who are not part of your family. That happens in a public school; it won't at home.

In today's world, some expectant parents put their unborn child on waiting lists for elite preschools the day after they get results from a pregnancy test. What these parents know is that early childhood education is critical to intellectual development and future success in school.

It would be wrong to say that there are not many Utah parents who can provide excellent preschool education for their children at home. All kids are different, all parents are different, and so are families. Some children are ready for school at age 5. Some aren't, and might be better off at home. Some families provide rich educational opportunities at home. Others don't.

But public policy must be based on the greatest good for the greatest number, and it would be a serious mistake to create a disincentive for people to place their children in public-school kindergarten. If anything, Utah should be striving to provide more opportunities for early childhood education in the public schools.