Why is early childhood education so important?
Children learn something almost every second. From how to use a fork to how to read, proper guidance through education makes a big difference.
Often, the achievements of children and adults in school and beyond depend on more than natural talent. Their educations help to shape them into who they ultimately become.
Aside from the acquisition of basic skills, children have to learn how to socialize, build relationships, and sare. When they learn this early on, children have a much easier time interacting with both peers and teachers.
Moreover, they acquire a stronger foundation for a fulfilling adulthood. According to UNESCO, early childhood education is about more than preparation for more school. It helps to develop a child’s social, cognitive, emotional, and physical needs.
From there, they have the potential to grow into caring, responsible, and capable adults.
Building Brain Capacity
From birth to the age of 5, a child’s brain develops more than any other stage of life. In fact, the brain completes roughly 90% of its growth before a child enters kindergarten. As such, it is essential to take advantage of this period to ensure future success.
In a study called “The Early Catastrophe,” researchers found that kids under 3 from wealthy families knew 30 million more words than kids from poorer families. The reason for this is that the size of the child’s vocabulary connected to the number of words that adults used when speaking to them.
Without ECE, children don’t always build their brain’s capacity to its full potential.
Socialization & Social Skills
Socialization outside of the family is an essential part of childhood. When they learn how to interact with others (including their peers and teachers), it simplifies education for them later in life.
This early socialization requires both participation and modeling from adults. When children have guidance, they benefit greatly as they learn to cooperate and share. These are crucial aspects of our social lives.
When children gain skills in a safe environment, it does more than help them make friends at school. They improve their relationships with their parents and other adults in their lives. Moreover, they make great strides towards higher self-confidence.
Enjoyment of Learning
As we said earlier, children learn continuously. However, that doesn’t mean it always comes easily to them. When they aren’t ready for the process, it tends to drain their natural enthusiasm.
As a result, some children have a harder time in school later on. At our classical school, Houston children develop a love of learning because we foster connection and engagement with the material. This helps to prepare children for success as they continue their educations.
Through early childhood education practices, teachers give lessons with a sense of fun and excitement. Once children understand that learning is an enjoyable experience, they accept more challenging tasks.
Moreover, they become active learners.
Improved Concentration & Focus
Oftentimes, young children have shorter attention spans. Typically, the same desire to discover that drives their education leaves them unable to focus on one thing for a while. Through early education programs, they have the opportunity to discover new experiences, environments, and connections.
Over time, they improve their ability to concentrate for extended periods of time. By the time they reach kindergarten, they know how to listen, participate, follow directions, and focus on projects. As we continue this development, we hone their skills to help them grow into stronger students beyond our walls.
Health Benefits
Often, people don’t expect early childhood education to have health benefits. However, it does show both short-term and long-term benefits for children.
For short-term benefits, the health interventions that intertwine with education monitor their health. Moreover, schools and daycares provide nutritious meals for them to enjoy.
Their long-term benefits stem from improved income later in life. Moreover, they benefit from a reduction of risky behavior. Both of these benefits lead to lower stress levels and improved access to quality healthcare.
Building Upon Early Childhood Education
As a child’s brain develops, the lack of a proper education becomes a missed opportunity. Moreover, it is a missed opportunity that has a substantial impact throughout life. Additionally, studies show that kids with access to early childhood education tend to achieve more later in life.
So, why is ECE so important? It provides children with a priceless opportunity to fulfill their potential, grow their skills, and nurture their talents. Aside from the individual benefits, early education has a positive impact on society as a whole.
At our private school, Houston children benefit from a continuation of these developments. From socialization to engaging education, they grow with guidance to become confident young adults.
To learn more about our school, schedule a visit with our admissions office.