Early childhood education is critical to a child’s future success. It gives children a head start on learning and helps them become better problem solvers, critical thinkers, and analytical learners later in life.
Early childhood education also fosters social and emotional development. This includes fostering communication skills, self-esteem, and respect for others.
Early Childhood Education
Early childhood education is a critical time for a child’s development. It’s where they learn language and literacy, begin to explore colors, shapes, nature, art, sounds, and more.
Children’s minds are hardwired to learn from their environment, according to Dr. Hawani Negussie, an assistant professor in early childhood education at UMass Global.
When educators create an environment that supports this learning, young children are set up for success in their educational and personal lives. This major offers a variety of opportunities to nurture your passion for working with young children and ensuring their futures are bright. Whether you choose to teach in an early childhood classroom or elsewhere, this major will help you make the most of your career.
Preschool
Preschool is an age when children can learn, socialize and grow physically. It prepares them for school and provides them with a solid foundation.
High-quality preschools focus on the whole child and all areas of learning. They offer themes and projects that integrate language, math, science and art to give students a deeper understanding of a subject.
Writing, for example, is an important part of a preschool curriculum because it helps kids form their letters correctly and space them correctly. In addition, it teaches them about reading and word families (words that sound like one another).
Kindergarten
Kindergarten is a form of education for children between the ages of four and six years old, commonly offered at public schools. This program focuses on social skills and is the first step in learning to be an independent student, without the support of parents or other adults.
Kindergarten is also a crucial time in which children develop key language skills, which they will use for life. They learn to communicate their thoughts, feelings and ideas, and how to build relationships with peers through play.
Elementary School
Elementary school, also known as primary education, is children’s first formal education prior to secondary (middle or high school). This is the stage when students learn the basics of reading, writing, arithmetic, an introduction to the natural and social sciences, arts and crafts, health, and physical education.
An elementary teacher must be warm, friendly, and knowledgeable about children’s learning styles and behavior patterns. They must have a passion for helping children develop their skills in reading, writing, math, science, language arts, social studies, and other subjects.
Middle School
The transition to middle school can be a tough one for kids. There’s more social pressure and new academic expectations.
Students may also have more teachers. They may switch teachers for core subjects (like science and math) and special classes like art, physical education, and music.
Middle schools were developed in the United States to help students through the transition from elementary to secondary education. They are now a common practice throughout the world, though there is no universal system.
High School
In most countries, high school is the final stage of compulsory education, and prepares students for further study or employment.
Students can choose to attend university, pursue vocational training, or join the army. They can also work to save money for a degree course or to follow their dreams of traveling the world or starting a business.
To help your teen succeed in high school, be aware of the curriculum and homework expectations, and participate in family discussions about school policies. During open house or back-to-school nights, get to know your child’s teachers and ask questions about the curriculum.