Early Learning is a critical component of a child’s education. Research has linked early intervention with both cognitive and socio-emotional gains since the early 20th century, and clearly shows that children enrolled in a form of early learning programs benefit by receiving an education before kindergarten.

Studies show that children enrolled in these programs showcase the following benefits:

  • Better behavioral patterns.
  • Higher IQ scores when enrolling in kindergarten.
  • Faster learning.
  • Higher socio-economic outcomes later in life.
  • Between 1.3% to 3.5% higher income over the course of their careers.

Likewise, studies show that children that are behind when they enter kindergarten tend to remain behind for their entire educational career, and even beyond. These gaps in achievement are difficult and expensive to close with K-12 education alone, and the improved earnings show that early intervention is an intelligent investment.

  • Preschool teaches children to follow directions. Every parent knows the frustration of repeating themselves over and over while their young child completely ignores them. What parents may not realize is that following directions is a skill that children hone over time—and preschool can help make this happen.
  • Preschool helps children adjust to kindergarten. It can be a big adjustment for a young child to navigate the workings of a classroom for the first time in kindergarten. Preschool programs, even those that are only part-time, can help kids make the transition.
  • Exposure to school routines in preschool prepares them for the structure and expectation of kindergarten. In addition to seeing the basic rhythm of a school day, children also learn hygiene routines like washing hands before eating and how to take care of their belongings in their cubby.
  • Preschool establishes social and emotional development. Preschool is much more about developing social-emotional skills than it is about developing academic skills.
  • Preschool provides a safe but challenging environment for children to learn how to manage getting along with others and self regulation. These experiences help them explore different feelings and create the foundation for self-regulation.
  • Publicly funded preschools can save parents money. There’s no arguing with the fact that childcare in the United States is expensive. The Center for American Progress reports that it costs an average of $760 per month to send a preschooler to a licensed childcare center, an amount that puts many working parents in a financially tight spot.
  • Preschool is an option that can help offset this cost while providing high-quality education to kids in their formative years. Head Start programs are available for free to families who meet income eligibility requirements. Many areas also offer free or low-cost preschools that are publicly funded. Preschool programs like these can add up to thousands of dollars of savings for parents who are currently funding full-time childcare.
  • Preschool provides opportunities for play. Is play really a benefit of preschool? It might seem simple, but research shows that playful experiences prepare children for “deeper learning,” especially in essential skills like executive functioning. Preschool exposes children to many different types of play that they may not have access to at home.
  • 6. Preschool encourages physical development. Believe it or not, physical development directly impacts a child’s ability to learn. Fine motor skills are necessary for kids to hold a pencil and learn to write as they get older, and gross motor skills are the whole-body movements that allow kids to balance and coordinate their actions. .
  • 7. Preschool can reduce the need for special education services. Special education services are often available to children who aren’t achieving developmental milestones or performing at a rate comparable to their peers in the classroom. Though these services are an essential intervention for kids who need them, the research is clear that preschool can often prevent kids from falling behind in the first place.
Contact
Amy Reyes

Early Learning Specialist

Parents