Children are flexible from all aspects. When at a tender age, they possess the ability to learn anything and get a good grasp of it. In fact, children are found to be the best learners in their childhood as they can mimic and learn anything fast, no matter whether they are at school, playing in the neighborhood, or at home. As small children possess an unoccupied mind, they have their entire memory to hold these impressions. So, whatever they get to learn at this stage is well recorded and retained in their mind, so much so that it creates a great impact on the rest of their lives. Basically, all that the children learn at their early age contributes in shaping their lives ahead. On this note, early education plays a key role in your kid’s life as a guiding light or a set of instruction to follow for a successful life ahead.
It is important for the clay to be on the wheel and get shaped as long as it is soft. Only then can beautiful pots be made that have some utility. But once the clay gets hard, it becomes quite difficult to mold it into the desired shape. Children exhibit very similar characteristics to clay. During their early years, their personality gets shaped according to their experiences and learning. Therefore, this time of your kid’s life is crucial for laying a strong foundation that would help him/her for years to come.
Academic Education
In the case of academic education, the phrase “The earlier, the better” applies the best for children. Research says that children with early academic education in Kindergarten later grew up to become more successful individuals in their lives. According to research, a majority of what’s required for a successful life is established before a child enters kindergarten. The brain develops rapidly during this phase. It’s at this stage when the child develops cognitive skills – the basis for reading and academics, along with social-emotional development, gross-motor skills, building character skills and executive functioning that includes everything from problem resolving to impulse control. So, it’s the responsibility of parents (primarily) and teachers (once the toddlers start their kindergarten) to capitalize on this phase and maximize the support and learning opportunities because then there will be a good chance of setting young children on a trajectory of success. In fact, studies have shown that kids who attend early-learning programs exhibit higher levels of educational accomplishment and better social adjustment compared to those who have no formal early education. These children are found to be less likely to repeat a grade or be placed in special education classes since learning issues can be identified and resolved early. Children who have had proper early-learning experiences also become more likely to obtain a graduate degree after high school.
An extremely influential breakthrough study
A study known as the High Scope Perry pre school experiment was conducted on 123 randomly assigned 3-year-old black students with a low income in their family from 1962 to 1967 to help them steer clear of school failure and other associated problems. All the students were divided into two groups. One was given a two years preschool program of high quality while the other group was subjected as a control group. These students were then observed till they reached the age of 50. The observations made from the lives of these students were of remarkable difference.
It was seen that 65% of the ones who went through the high-quality preschool program graduated from regular high school compared to only the 45% of the control group. The annual income of those who participated in the preschool program was $20800 at the age of 40, whereas that of those people in the control group was only $15300. Also, the preschoolers proved to be better citizens compared to their friends who were in the control group. The preschool goers exhibited higher chances of being employed, owning a house and a car and raising their own children, while those who belonged to the control group exhibited higher chances of renting public houses and get involved in drug abuse.
Future Aspect
Some research shows that the participants of early childhood programs of high quality tend to generate an income hike of 1/3 to 3.5% each year as adults. Although the figure doesn’t look huge, once compounded, the hiked earnings could be anywhere between $9000 and $30,000. According to statistics, if all the children across the entire nation could be enrolled in such early education, it would yield $4.8 billion at least from each individual’s lifetime earnings after the program costs were deducted.
Advantages of early childhood education go far beyond these facts discussed above. Let’s take a look at how it can make your child a perfect all-rounder when he/she reaches his/her adulthood.
Enhanced attention spans
Kids tend to be curious in exploring new things. Quality early childhood education increases the opportunities for the exploration of new environments and having new experiences as well as making new friends. Such programs also help build qualities like the aptness to listen, follow instructions, participate in group tasks and work independently – all of which facilitate the development of concentration – a crucial life skill.
Ardor for lifelong learning
According to several research results, kids who receive early childhood education become more curious and confident, which advocate them to perform better in their future lives. It teaches them how to build resilience in difficult times and even tackle challenges that life throws their way. These kids settle at school easily to reap the advantages of education comparatively faster and acquire a long-term curiosity in learning different kinds of things including singing, playing music, dancing, cooking, and construction, amongst others.
Enhanced social skills
Children master the art of engaging with other children as well adults in a better manner by receiving quality childhood education. What they learn at home during their formative years together with the preschool environment empowers kids to attain vital skills which allow them to convey their own ideas and listen to others, make friends, cooperate, share and last but not the least, become accountable for their own actions.
Most studies related to early childhood education programs show how children with the right guidance have higher chances of graduating from regular high schools, attending college and developing as responsible young adults with fewer behavioral issues, not to mention having a better and successful life than their counterparts. So, it surely pays to get the little ones started early with the right educational programs.
