Many parents want to take an active role in directing the educational future of their children in order to give them every opportunity to discover something they love. To this end, recent studies suggest that the earlier a child starts their education, the better off they may be in the future. These studies who received early childhood education scored higher than their peers, exhibited a greater degree of creativity, and were more socially active among their peers. Here are some reasons why preschool may be more important to your child’s future than previously believed.
What is Preschool?
Preschool refers to an early childhood educational class available for children from the ages of three and four years old. Many of these preschools offer a part time schedule or a full day preschool schedule to accommodate parents with a variety of schedules. Studies on adults who participated in preschool when they were younger showed that these adults were more likely to complete a higher degree and go to college than those participants who had not gone to preschool. While a preschool can give a child an academic boost, it should be noted to parents that not all preschools and daycares operate in the same way.
The Difference Early Childhood Education Makes
A growing number of parents are instead opting on having their children attend an early childhood learning center as an alternative to traditional preschool. These centers employ certified teachers with degrees in early childhood education; this means that children are better able to learn according to an age-appropriate spectrum of lessons. Many of these schools follow an educational philosophy such as the Montessori approach that encourages mixed age classrooms, student choice of activities, uninterrupted blocks of work time, and freedom of movement within the classroom. There are a variety of approaches and schools available for parents to find an approach appropriate to their child’s unique personality. No matter the approach, graduating students will be able to recognize and name all 26 uppercase letters as well as some lowercase letters. Students will also participate in a variety of other activities including singing, dancing, arts and crafts, storytelling, free play, and other projects designed to teach children different skills.
The Impact of Private Preschool Special Education
Studies have shown that a private preschool special education makes a significant difference when compared to public preschool programs. Statistically, students who attend private schools generally have higher rates of graduation as well as acceptance into colleges. Experts suggest that the advantage lies in the smaller class sizes which give educators a better opportunity to approach the student according to their personal interests and educational needs — this naturally nurtures a sense of belonging and community that gives the student far more individualized attention than they would receive in public schools. See the studies for yourself and decide on whether or not a private preschool special education program would be the best way to get your child started on an academic path that will lead to wherever the future takes them.