A Great Start Is Just a Start: Following Through on Quality Preschool

Broadly speaking, according to a study published on the National Library of Medicine website—titled The Persistence of Preschool Effects From Early Childhood Through Adolescence—participation in a quality preschool can clearly help with kindergarten readiness. Early child education successes can also serve as a building block for “accelerated achievement” throughout elementary school, which lays the foundation for success in middle school. 

But, to fully benefit from the solid foundation built by quality early childhood education, it’s crucial that educators and parents focus upon continuing the momentum built in preschool. This is especially important during the kindergarten year but continues through elementary school and beyond. 

Children’s Institute describes a crucial bridge between preschool and kindergarten: the P-3 alignment that effectively transitions learning experiences between the two. The bridge, they explain, “needs to be stronger, more intentional, and more closely aligned” to help increase academic achievements.

One study published in the American Education Research Journal notes how, if material learned in preschool is merely repeated in kindergarten, then the benefits of early childhood education typically fade. But, when teachers build upon preschool learning, another study shows, preschool serves as a strong foundation for future learning.

Researchers have discovered that significant differences exist between how children learn in preschool (intentional play, hands-on exploration, and peer interactions) and kindergarten and beyond when children spend most time listening to direct instructions. When those experiences can be more seamlessly bridged, then children benefit.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services share strategies that educators can use to create the strong bridge needed for academic success. They break them down into four connection points:

Child/School Connection Point

 Some of the strategies listed include:

• Kindergarten orientation programs for families in the spring or summer
• Organized classroom visits
• Preschoolers attending elementary school events
• Practicing kindergarten routines and family routines related to kindergarten
• Connecting children who will be attending kindergarten with ones who already are
• Creating a buddy system between children who will be attending kindergarten with ones who already are
• Providing your child with books and other materials about kindergarten

Family/School Connection Point

Strategies listed include:

• Providing support for completing forms, especially noted for families with dual language learners
• Contacting families ahead of the upcoming school year, giving them information and opportunities to ask questions
• Participating in orientation events before and during the early part of the kindergarten school year
• Determining how much support each family will need
• Establishing preferred methods of communication
• Periodically meeting with families
• Discussing any transition issues with the family of a child experiencing them

Program/School Connection Point

Opportunities include these:

• Participating in joint professional development programs 
• Collaboratively discussing data, ideas for supporting children and their families, routines and procedures in the classroom, learning standards and assessments, and more
• Developing common language and routines for use in early learning classrooms and kindergartens

Community/School Connection Point

• Sharing information about community-based literacy opportunities
• Partnering with community organizations that offer relevant resources
• Participating in school readiness programs

As Children’s Institute notes, programs that transition children from high quality preschool to kindergarten and elementary school “must become the norm, not isolated exemplars”—and we wholeheartedly agree!

A Great Start Is Just the Start

At Horizon, we're committed to the long-term health and success of every child in our care, and our commitment is reflected in our consistently high ratings from the state's Step Up to Quality early childhood education evaluation program, as well as our partnerships with area schools throughout Lorain and Cuyahoga Counties. Every child deserves a team of supporters behind them, encouraging them to grow and be their best as they continue on their educational journey.

For 46 years, Horizon Education Centers have been some of the best options for Greater Cleveland families. Find a center near you and learn more about our programs and options for enrolling your child today!