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 formal 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 early childhood education?
Benefits of a High-Quality Preschool Program
Benefits of preschool extend into adulthood: Sure, your child will learn about letters, numbers and colors in preschool, but researchers have found that children who attend preschool or other early childhood programs are less likely to be arrested, more likely to graduate high school and more likely to attend and complete college.
A preschool program helps with social and emotional development: In addition to teaching your child fundamental academic skills, a preschool education helps your child with their social and emotional development. In a preschool program, 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 and elementary school: 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.
Early childhood education programs encourage 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. Having children build self confidence this way puts them on the inside track to thrive in a preschool program.
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 story time or naptime, for example. If possible, try to reinforce these concepts with your child at home before they head to school.
The essential skills that children used to learn in kindergarten are now being learned in preschool and pre-K programs. Children not afforded preschool or a structured learning environment and experience do not necessarily arrive at their elementary school unprepared for formal education, but most parents and educators agree that enrolling a young child in a high-quality preschool program gives them a solid foundation: an advantage in social readiness, emotional development and educational skills.
Horizon Early Childhood Programs Set Your Child Up for Success
Horizon's early childhood education programs are the best choice to get all the benefits of preschool your young child needs to better guarantee future academic success in kindergarten, elementary school and beyond. Our commitment to preparing children for early learning, language skills, emotional development, physical 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 have a conversation with our friendly staff today!
