You want the best for your child, and that includes their education. But how early is too early?
It’s no secret that we live increasingly busy lives. Productive lives. And lives in which it seems like there’s not enough hours in the day to get done what we need to. And we tend to pass that on to our children in turn. Especially when it comes to their education.
With that in mind, we also know we won’t settle for anything but the best when it comes to the education and development of our children. Early childhood education in particular. We might make certain sacrifices in our lives, but not at the expense of their development and happiness. That’s why we ensure that when the time comes for preschool, the available options are clear and goal-oriented.
But are our children ready for preschool?
It’s a question few parents ask. But the truth is, the transition period between being a toddler and attending preschool isn’t always a smooth one. It’s not always easy for children to adjust to a more organized structure. New experiences tend to bring challenges that neither children nor parents are fully prepared for. It can be an intimidating process for a child, and one which can place a high level of stress on their emotions. They’re learning new skills, meeting new friends, and figuring out how they learn best – all in an entirely new environment. It can be a lot of pressure. But it can also be exciting.
Preparing your child for early education doesn’t require an intensive knowledge in child psychology. Sometimes, it can be as simple as explaining what they can expect from the experience in a calm, down-to-earth fashion (children are much more perceptive and wiser than we often give them credit for.) But before you do, let’s look at some of the pros and cons of early childhood education.
Pro: Early Education Allows Children To Develop A Sense Of Independence And Self Reliance
As any child development specialist will tell you, indypendence is one of the most fundamental characteristics for a preschool age child. They’re at an awkward age; one in which they both want and need to assert themselves, but still need a strong sense of guidance and nurturing. Preschool allows them the opportunity to experience this sense of self reliance in a safe and neutral environment—one which provides just the right balance of structure and encouragement.
Con: Separation Anxiety Can Occur For Preschool Children (And Parents, Too!)
No child has the exact same temperament, and some are more sensitive than others. Acutely sensitive. And while separation anxiety typically lasts no longer than a couple of weeks at most, it can be as devastating for a parent to witness as a child. Sometimes more so.
You can ease your child into this early on by letting them spend a few overnight sleepovers at a relative’s or playmate’s home prior to their first day of preschool. Once they see you’re not going anywhere, it will seem much more natural for them to say goodbye—even at a strange new setting.
Pro: Preschool Teaches Essential Social Skills
It’s not that your child is stubborn. Or badly behaved. It’s simply that cooperation and manners aren’t innate in anyone. They’re learned. And the more self aware and independent they become, the more they’ll assert themselves as a way of testing boundaries. Preschool provides them with the necessary structure and guidance from adult figures outside of their parents. It’s natural for a child to want to please their parents. Allowing them an environment where they have the opportunity to please more objective adult figures helps teach them the value and necessity of cooperation.
Con: Preschool Offers Less Opportunities For Socialization Than Daycare
Unfortunately, more structured environments mean less socialization than in traditional daycare centers. And if your child isn’t entirely acclimated to the process of playing respectfully with other children in a loosely organized setting, thrusting them into preschool unexpectedly can sometimes result in behavioral problems. More often than not, these are necessary growing pains than many children have and are not indicative of an emotional disturbance. But it can be embarrassing. Make certain you explain to them ahead of time what is and isn’t considered inappropriate. When it comes to behavior, you may find they’ll be more apt to listen to a parent than a stranger.
Pro: Early Childhood Education Helps Lay The Foundation For Future Academic Achievement
Not only does preschool assist your child in developing basic social, emotional and literacy skills but it also plants the seeds for future success. Several well-known studies, such as the Perry Preschool Project and the Carolina Abecedarian Project, mapped the long term trajectory of preschool students into adulthood. They found that not only was there a strong correlation between early childhood education and high school graduation, but enrolling in preschool programs increased the likelihood of basic core competency by the age of 14 and an IQ of 90 or more by the age of 5—by 34 percent and 39 percent respectively.
Con: The Ratio Of Teachers To Students Is Never Perfect (And Neither Is A Preschool’s Quality)
Unfortunately, not all preschools are created equal. Consider that the average preschool size can sometimes be a minimum of 1 teacher for every 8 students. Now consider that preschool teachers can frequently be inexperienced and ill-equipped to handle a child’s specific needs, both weaknesses and strengths. No matter how much their curricula and training can meet (or even exceed) state early child education standards, preschool is not a guarantee of your child’s academic success. And while it can often spark a child’s long term love of learning, it isn’t always the case. They need encouragement from both educators and parents. They need an environment in which their talents and potential can blossom. And they need the strength and assurance which will guide them on the road to success.
Your child deserves the best, and this simple focus will help you find the best options for their growth and future.
Looking for more than just a daycare center? Are you looking for an enriching environment which is as much focused on building the character and values of your child as it is on learning? At LaunchPad Early Education, we focus as much on building a connection with families as we are on child development. For more information or to schedule a tour of our two Murfreesbro locations, visit us at https://family.1core.com/re/#/parent-inquiry/87CF0986-AC30-48D2-A970-5A909FD26C18/ today!