9 reasons why early education is important
Did you know children who are behind in kindergarten are more likely to fall behind for their entire educational experience? If you are unsure about enrolling your little ones in a preschool program, keep reading to find out why that could be a costly mistake.
The importance of early childhood education cannot be stressed enough. Early childhood experiences from birth to age 8 affect the development of the brain’s architecture, which provides the foundation for all future learning, behavior and health. A strong foundation helps children develop the skills they need to become well-functioning adults.
At Friends of Crown Heights, our caring and professional staff take early education serious with a diverse set of programs focused on preparing your child for a limitless future.
Here are 9 reasons why Early Education matters:
1. Socialization
Children who take part in early childhood education programs have improved social skills. They learn to cooperate with kids their age and practice sharing and taking turns speaking. It is especially important for children who don’t have siblings at home.
2. Improved Academics
Data shows there is a direct correlation between underperformance in school and children who stayed home with parents during the preschool years.
A Harvard study revealed that early childhood education leads to a lower chance of special education placement. It also increases the likelihood of graduating from high school.
3. Better Attention Span
Preschool children start understanding when it’s time to work and when it’s time to play. Early childhood educators will help your child learn how to switch focus without feeling overwhelmed.
4. Improved Self-Esteem and Confidence
Early interactions help build up children’s self-esteem at an early age. The confidence they discover will carry them throughout life.
5. Exposure to Diversity
The earlier your child is introduced to diversity, the easier it will be for them to grasp concepts and feel comfortable in social situations.
6. A Foundation of STEM Skills
In preschool, your child will get an early exposure to Science, Technology, Math, and Engineering, also known as STEM. STEM jobs are in demand and will continue to be in high demand when today’s children enter the workforce. An early introduction to STEM and building STEM skills can be a key component in your child’s future career.
7. Health Benefits of being active
Getting into the habit of being active at an early age is key to building healthy lifelong habits. Kids have a lot of energy and sitting at home in front of the TV or computer can set bad habits in place. In preschool your child will have structured playtime that is also filled with learning opportunities.
8. Creativity Boosts
From drawing to painting to music. Art plays a vital role in boosting creativity and refining fine motor skills, which can be beneficial in problem solving, decision making and confidence building. Art has been seen to be equally as valuable to STEM skills in early education.
9. Love of Lifelong Learning
In preschool, children’s lessons are presented as fun games and activities. They learn to view learning as interesting and fun. This creates a lifelong positive reinforcement that learning is fun. In addition, studies have shown that attendees of early education tend to have higher incomes, own homes earlier and less likely to commit crimes or have dependence issues later in life.