Children who have access to education transform their lives and break the cycle of poverty. Yet, too many of the world’s children go without.
Young children have a lot to learn, including literacy and numeracy skills. Educators teach these skills while nurturing the whole child.
Young children have different learning styles. They need a variety of educational activities to stay focused.
Preschool Increases Academic Performance
Preschool, also known as nursery school or early education, is an educational setting that teaches children between the ages of three and five before they enter primary school. Its aim is to prepare young students for kindergarten and elementary school, and some research indicates that students who attend preschool have higher test scores, are less likely to drop out of school, and have a better chance of gaining a job.
In addition to its academic benefits, preschool can help students develop physical fitness. It is important for kids to get enough exercise, as this can increase cognition and energy expenditure while promoting social skills and improving mental health.
However, researchers have found that the overall effect of state pre-K programs on student achievement is small, even with large-scale randomized trials like Tennessee’s voluntary program and Head Start. This means that increased enrollment in these programs would boost a state’s adjusted NAEP score by about one point, but have no significant impact on unadjusted scores.
Preschool Increases Focus
UNESCO points out that the period from birth to eight years old is a “remarkable time for brain development.” Early childhood education and care (ECCE) that is inclusive and provides holistic learning can help children develop emotionally, socially, and cognitively.
Preschools differ from traditional day care in that they usually focus on teaching kids to interact with one another and transition between activities, rather than merely helping them do household chores. Educators also focus on developing kids’ fine and gross motor skills. Fine-motor activities may include coloring, drawing and cutting, while gross-motor games might involve running, jumping and kicking a ball to a friend.
When choosing a preschool, ask about the teacher qualifications. Look for a teacher with formal post-high school training in child development or early childhood education (CDE). Ask how the preschool supports its teachers with livable wages, benefits and professional growth opportunities. Also, ask about the staff turnover rate. High turnover can be a warning sign of a problem.
Preschool Increases STEM Skills
Children are born scientists, but they need adult support to realize and expand their natural STEM capacities. They’re always asking why and need to understand the world around them in order to be motivated to learn. STEM education is a great way to support their natural curiosity and inquisitiveness by introducing them to scientific principles in a fun, playful environment.
STEM is not just about coding and robotics, but rather an approach to learning that includes science (observing and making connections), technology (using tools, identifying problems, trying different solutions), engineering (building and designing) and math (comparing, sequencing, counting, patterns). This type of critical thinking translates into many careers and life situations.
Kids who have a strong foundation in STEM subjects perform better academically throughout school and have the skills needed to succeed in today’s increasingly technological workplace. Early STEM experiences also encourage group work and help kids to build problem-solving skills in a team-oriented environment.
Preschool Increases Social Skills
A child’s social skills are a big part of his overall development. In fact, researchers have shown that a lack of social development can hinder a child’s ability to form relationships, affect their adjustment at school and lead to behavioral problems in the future.
Preschools provide a great environment for children to learn these important social skills. Through fun, engaging activities, teachers help children develop cooperation, communication and empathy. They also teach them to respect others and work together. In addition, preschools offer opportunities for children to interact with teachers and peers from different backgrounds, teaching them to appreciate differences.
Another key social skill is learning to label their own feelings and emotions, as well as those of others. This is known as emotional literacy, and it helps kids regulate their behavior, communicate effectively and solve problems. Children who develop these skills early on are better equipped to handle the demands of life and school.