The merits of enrolling a child in preschool has been debated throughout the country. Research however has stressed the cognitive, social, and emotional value that preschool has for young children.
Multiple studies have shown that early education goes a long way in preparing children for kindergarten and into their schooling careers. As the National Institute for Early Education Research Director W. Steven Barnett, PhD, says, “Children who attend high-quality preschool enter kindergarten with better pre-reading skills, richer vocabularies and stronger basic math skills than those who do not.” A balanced preschool program will help increase your child’s competency in all the major subjects. Outside of these obvious cognitive benefits, Lil’ Einstein’s Learning Academy has provided a list of benefits that come from choosing to enroll your child in a preschool or early education program.
Social Skills
Attending preschool helps children learn “group manners,” and other behaviors such as raising hands, being kind to others and working cooperatively with peers. Children learn how to interact with peers and other adults, and do so in a safe environment. This enables to celebrate their successes and learn from their mistakes.
Independence and Self-reliance
As children leave the stages of infancy, their self-reliance should begin to increase. It is vital for children to learn how to function separate from their parents, and preschool is one of their first opportunities to do so.
Preschool helps to prepare children for longer periods of separation in kindergarten. These programs also help children learn to trust adults outside of their parental unit, as well as create an attachment to places and people outside the family home. Children in preschool and prekindergarten programs also learn to follow directions.
Creativity and Curiosity
A preschool teacher’s duty is to encourage children to think and ask questions. Most children have already begun doing this when entering preschool, but a preschool environment is organized in a way that even seemingly inconsequential moments can be turned into learning experiences.
As it has been well-established that young children learn best through play, as opposed to structured lessons, a strong preschool program will provide children with plenty of chances to do so. Children will get the chance to play dress up, take on new roles, work in teams, and explore their world in a safe, fun and meaningful way.
Motor Skills
At this age, your child’s motor skills are beginning to improve. Preschool provides opportunities to sharpen these skills even more. Children in preschool programs learn to handle pencils and scissors, and hone fine motor skills through activities like lacing and pincer grip experiences. Activities are often structured so that children are active through most of the day, further enhancing their gross motor skills.
At Lil’ Einstein’s Learning Academy we balance work and play within your child’s preschool experience. Help create a strong foundation for your child’s educational career by enrolling them at one of our preschool locations.
