Early childhood education refers to all that contributes to a child's readiness to begin formal schooling. It includes much more than just academic readiness---it targets the whole child. The age range for early childhood education varies from one organization to another.
Identification
The National Association for the Education of Young Children says that early childhood education focuses on the educational development of children starting at birth and continuing through age 8. The National Center for Education Statistics, a division of the U.S. Department of Education Institute of Education Sciences, notes that early childhood education typically begins at 3, 4 or 5 years of age---sometimes earlier---and continues for one to three years. With such loosely defined indicators, it seems early childhood education refers more to a stage in a child's life than to a specific age.
Significance
The lack of a formal definition does not diminish the importance of early childhood education. Much research exists concerning the correlation between quality early childhood education programs and later success in life. According to research findings reported by the National Education Association, students who participate in quality preschool programs ultimately earn substantially more money than those who do not, and are less likely to need special education, repeat grades or participate in illegal activity.
Considerations
A variety of early childhood education programs exist in the United States. They include nursery schools, day care centers, preschools and Head Start programs, as well as prekindergarten and kindergarten programs.
Features
The National Education Goals Panel Technical Planning Group on School Readiness, back in 1991, defined five dimensions of early learning and development. Those dimensions are physical well-being and motor development, social and emotional development, approaches toward learning, language development, and cognition and general knowledge. Each of the five dimensions plays an important role in a child's preparation for school.
School Readiness
School readiness, according to NAEYC, applies not only to children but also to families, communities, early environments and schools. All these components of early childhood education must work together and interact to ensure the success of all children.
References
- National Association for the Education of Young Children: About NAEYC
- National Center for Education Statistics: Levels of Education
- National Education Association: Early Childhood Education and School Readiness
- National Education Goals Panel: Reconsidering Children's Early Development and Learning: Toward Common Views and Vocabulary
