4 Ways an Early Education Can Benefit Your Child

In 2017, 40% of 3-year-olds and 86% of 5-year-olds were enrolled in preprimary education. Are you trying to decide whether your child should join them?

You may be asking yourself, why is early childhood education important? Is it worth it to send my child to school when they are still so young?

In reality, there are many benefits of preschool, especially when it is done in a playful, engaging way. Kids that are allowed the freedom to experiment and explore in a safe setting will be getting a headstart on life. 

Not convinced? Check out these great benefits of early childhood education. 

1. Instills a Love of Learning

Kids are curious. It's a natural part of growing up.

Watch any toddler and you'll see them trying to get into anything and everything. Contrary to what their frazzled parents might think, they don't do it to misbehave. They do it because they want to understand how something works.

By starting fun, interactive learning in early childhood, educators and parents can take advantage of this natural inclination and instill a lifelong love of learning.

2. Social Skills

Children aren't born with a natural inclination to share or the ability to empathize with another person. Getting them around other kids at a young age, in a safe environment, gives them the chance to learn important social lessons early on.

Shy children have a chance to come out of their shells. Bossy children begin to learn that not everyone wants to do things their way. Educators can help them learn these lessons in a safe, impactful way, helping them to become well-adjusted adults later on in life.

3. Physical Activity

Physical movement is important in the early years. Kids are naturally energetic and active. Educators can and should encourage physical activity, in a controlled environment.

Games, time on the playground, playing pretend, and other activities are all ways that kids can be active. Though not doing formal exercise, this will help set a solid foundation for healthy exercise habits in the future.

Plus, all that activity is helping their bodies to develop. Balance, strength, coordination, reflexes — all are important and are developed through physical activity.

4. Language Skills

You've probably heard someone say that the brain of a small child is like a sponge. It's true! They absorb everything they experience and their brain is hard at work cataloging all the things they're learning and figuring out how to understand it.

Learning a language is incredibly difficult, ask anyone who has done it as an adult. Yet kids have an even bigger task. They have to learn everything from scratch.

Whereas an adult can learn the translation of the word “big”, kids have to figure out that “big” refers to the size of an object. It's a lot of work!

The more exposure kids have to language, through examples, stories, games, and more, the faster they can understand it. 

Why Is Early Childhood Education Important?

In sum, preschool has mental, physical, social, and educational benefits.

So, why is early childhood education important? Children who attend school early get a chance to learn and grow and stretch their capabilities.

Looking for a fun, engaging preschool program? Contact us today for more information on our preschool-k program!