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From ‘Red Sprouts’ to school board races, DSA’s years-long effort to reach children gains momentum
The Democratic Socialists of America is expanding political education and childcare activities for children at organising events, while also backing candidates in local school board races. Supporters describe childcare as a way to make political organising more accessible to working-class families; a parental-rights group says introducing a specific ideology to young children risks indoctrination.
Examples include a New York City training in October 2026 on providing childcare at demonstrations and meetings, and a 2025 plan for a “Socialist Sprouts” curriculum. The article traces similar efforts back to a 2016 programme for children aged two to six, and mentions a Cleveland DSA colouring book and political-themed children’s clothing. It also reports that the DSA has pursued school board influence, but the supplied article text ends before giving details of that effort.
In short
- DSA groups combine childcare with political education for children.
- Programmes range from a 2016 school to a planned curriculum.
- A parental-rights group raises concerns about ideological influence.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters can argue that childcare at political events lets parents, including working-class families, take part in organising, while age-appropriate activities help children feel included. They may also see teaching socialist ideas as legitimate political education and backing school board candidates as ordinary democratic participation.
The case against
Critics can argue that young children are especially impressionable, so activities that promote a particular political ideology may blur the line between childcare and persuasion before children can assess competing views. They may also worry that seeking influence in schools could shape education around partisan aims, though the supplied report gives too little detail to assess that effort.