I have grandkids who have learned letters and reading through some of the WONDERFUL children's programming available on tv.  Local PARENTS can't be bothered with exposing their kids to even that.  I guess by providing BABYSITTING as a side-service is the only way their kids would learn early.  But as you stated..."that were invented by people who did not attend kindergarten and did not get free school lunches? "

So, there's that.