It is hard to underestimate the value of a good education. Technological advances and the desire to compete internationally make it important for young people to have an exceptional education. Even though your child is young, giving her the opportunity to learn skills at a young age is a smart way to start her educational journey. Understanding the importance of early education can help you make decisions for your child.
History
Early childhood education in the United States has a long history. According to the "Handbook of Early Childhood Intervention" edited by Samuel J. Meisels and Jack P. Shonkoff, before the first public school opened in St. Louis in 1872, there was little organized early childhood education. By 1930, there were only 200 nursery schools in the United States. During the depression, more nursery schools opened, mainly to help teachers who lost their jobs. With the advent of more working mothers, early school experiences are increasingly common and now provide a more thorough and coordinated approach to early childhood learning.
Benefits
You child can benefit by attending an early education program. A publication from a conference sponsored by the Legal Momentum's Family Initiative and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology states that high-quality childhood education helps your child be a responsible citizen, do well in school and make a greater contribution to society. The publication also states that children who do better in school are less likely to commit a crime. The investment you make in your child's early learning experiences benefits your child academically and socially.
Socialization
Your child needs to be able to function within a group of children and adults. A good early childhood education program will allow your child to develop socially based on his age and development. Look for a program that encourages parallel play for toddlers and one that helps your preschool child adjust to being at school for longer periods of time by encouraging parental involvement. Ask about the discipline procedures and rules of the classroom.
Academics
During the early childhood years, your child gains cognitive skills. As a baby, her understanding of language relies upon hearing and sight. As she grows, she begins to recognize pictures in books and associate letters with words. The California Department of Education says that between the ages of 3 to 5, your child begins to think logically. When she attends an early childhood program, your child is stimulated academically to prepare her for elementary school. Through play and academic experiences, she will learn letter recognition, early decoding skills and basic number recognition.
Considerations
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' publication "The Foundations for School Readiness" says that the relationships your child develops during his early childhood experiences has an impact on his growth and development. Choose an early childhood education program that has highly-qualified teachers who care about your child. Ask to see the program's curriculum and observe a class. Think about whether your child is developmentally ready for a more structured education program. Inquire about costs, and research whether you may qualify for tuition assistance.
References
- "Handbook of Early Childhood Intervention"; Jack P. Shonkoff, Samuel J. Meisels, editors; 2000
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Early Childhood Education for All: A Wise Investment
- Yale University: Guidelines for Choosing Quality Child Care
- California Department of Education: Preschool for All
- U.S Department of Health and Human Services: The Foundation for School Readiness
