Early childhood education programs like preschool provide a safe, nurturing, educational and social environment for children. While preschool is not required as part of your child’s education, sending them to a highly rated preschool program can have benefits that stretch far beyond the classroom. Here’s what you should know if you’re wondering: Do children really need preschool?
Benefits of Preschool Education
Benefits extend into adulthood: Sure, your child will learn about letters, numbers and colors in preschool, but researchers have found that children who attend preschool and early childhood programs are less likely to be arrested, more likely to graduate and more likely to attend and complete college.
Helps with social and emotional development: In addition to teaching your child fundamental academic skills, preschool helps your child with their social and emotional development. In preschool, your child learns about sharing and taking turns. Students also learn about empathy and emotional regulation, all toward your child preparing your child with essential skills for kindergarten: Kindergarten can be a big adjustment. Pre-K programs — even part-time ones — help your child acclimate to the classroom environment and school setting, easing the transition to kindergarten by helping them learn routine and listening skills.
Encourages physical development: Not only does preschool help your child develop socially and emotionally, but it also gives them a chance to play and develop physically. Preschool encourages exploration through cooperative play and the development of fine motor skills.
If you’re considering preschool for your child, also consider these things:
Is your child toilet trained? Many preschools require that students are toilet trained and able to wash their hands with minimal assistance.
Can your child spend time away from you? If your young child has not been to daycare, a transition to preschool program may be difficult. To remedy this, have your child spend short periods of time away from you and your home. This could be through a gymnastics class or time with friends or grandparents.
Does your child enjoy playing with others? Preschool teaches your child about sharing and taking turns, but they will also learn how to sit quietly with others during storytime or naptime, for example. If possible, try to reinforce these concepts with your child at home before they head to school.
The skills that children used to learn in kindergarten are now being learned at the preschool level. Children who are not afforded the preschool environment and experience do not necessarily arrive at their elementary school unprepared, but most parents and educators agree that enrolling a young child in a high-quality preschool program gives them an advantage in both social readiness and educational skills.
Horizon Early Childhood Programs Set Your Child Up for Success
Horizon's preschool and early childhood education programs are the best choice to get all the benefits your young child needs to succeed in kindergarten, elementary school and beyond. Our commitment to preparing children for early learning, language skills, emotional development, and long-term academic success drives everything we do, from attracting, equipping, and retaining the best preschool teachers to meeting and exceeding state standards and providing safe, healthy school environments.
Parents can expect more when they enroll their children at a local Horizon center. Find the Horizon near you and schedule a tour and conversation with our staff today!
