The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is increasing its engagement in childcare programs and school board races, a strategy aimed at introducing socialist ideals to young children and expanding the organization's influence on education policy, according to a parental-rights watchdog.
Initiatives like "Socialist Sprouts" and "Red Sprouts" are designed to incorporate political themes into childcare, with trainings focusing on "resistance-driven childcare" and "radical storytelling" for children. The New York City DSA chapter has organized events that include age-appropriate political discussions and distributed DSA-themed coloring pages.
These efforts are part of a broader, long-standing DSA strategy. The organization's National Political Education Committee has offered training on approaching childcare "from a socialist perspective" for years. In 2025, plans were outlined to develop a "Socialist Sprouts" curriculum for children, parents, and caregivers involved in the movement. The DSA's online store has also featured children's clothing promoting a "Green New Deal for Public Schools."
The organization's engagement with children extends back at least a decade. In 2016, New York City DSA members launched a "Socialist Sunday School" for children aged 2 to 6, using political songs and children's books to discuss topics like corporate greed and environmentalism. The Cleveland DSA chapter created a coloring book for children illustrating the chapter's housing agenda.
Beyond childcare programs, the DSA has prioritized expanding its influence over public education by targeting school board elections. At its 2023 national convention, the DSA adopted an amendment to recruit and support socialist school board candidates. The Los Angeles chapter of the DSA has also established a Public Education Committee focused on influencing school boards and promoting policies like the Green New Deal.
These initiatives are occurring as the DSA sees increasing political success. Following the 2026 midterm elections, DSA-backed candidates won congressional, state legislative, and local school board races. DSA-supported positions also prevailed on several ballot measures, including one in Washington where voters rejected a proposal to restore expanded parental rights in public schools.
The election of Zohran Mamdani as New York City Mayor in 2025, a card-carrying DSA member, has heightened awareness of the movement's influence, particularly among young people. Following the 2026 midterms, three DSA members are set to represent parts of New York City in Congress.
Alleigh Marré, leader of the American Parents Coalition, expressed concern, stating that the DSA's efforts are "insidious" and aim to instill a specific ideology in young children. She argued that this focus on socialist and communist-aligned ideas contrasts with teaching children to think critically and consider a breadth of viewpoints. Marré warned that the impact of these efforts will become more apparent as newly elected DSA-backed officials take office.