Sex Education In Kindergarten? [POLL]

Kindergarten was a long time ago, but my mind clearly remembers being whacked on the head with a pencil by Mrs.Fallert, taking daily naps on my green and white fold-up mat, and having snacks – a carton of white milk and a packet of cinnamon graham crackers. I remember we learned to read and write, follow instructions, and to get along with our classmates. I also remember there was no sex education when I was six years old. Times have changed.

In Chicago, the city’s board of education has passed a new measure, in which sex ed will begin in kindergarten. The change is expected to take effect within the next two years in the nation’s third largest school district.

Kindergartners in the Windy City will learn about male and female anatomy, as well as reproduction. By the time they are enrolled in third or fourth grade, they will have received lessons on puberty, HIV/AIDS and what constitutes inappropriate touching.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett released a statement about the decision:

"It is important that we provide students of all ages with accurate and appropriate information so they can make healthy choices in regards to their social interactions, behaviors and relationships.”

Despite the new curriculum, parents will be able to remove their kids from the program if they like.

My first sex education experience in school was as a freshmen in high school, although I had gained some knowledge of the subject through a book my mother gave me at age eleven entitled “Almost 12.”  At the time it seemed to be the right time. Honestly, I don’t know when the best time is to educate kids about sex. I do believe that the process needs to start sooner than it did 45 years ago, but I’m not sure that kindergarten is the place to start it. And, I also believe the process of educating kids about sex – whenever that is – should start at home with mom and dad. What do you think?