Why Is Preschool Important?

Why is preschool important? Just as breakfast is the most important meal of the day, preschool can be the most important phase of your child’s education.  Preschool offers your child the opportunity to build a solid foundation for a rich learning experience for the rest of their schooling years. The habits and structure picked up in preschool will aid your child for years to come. Preschool is vitally important and provides important benefits which your children can carry throughout their lifetimes. Your child’s attitude and dedication to schooling begins with preschool.

Why Preschool Education is Important for Your Child

There are many myths surrounding preschool education, which can cause some parents to wonder if preschool is important for their children. Some believe preschool involves only playing and naps, that kids can learn at home, or that it’s only for well-to-do families. These notions can’t be further from the truth. There are several reasons why preschool education is important for your child, including:

1. Preschool prepares your child for kindergarten.
2. Preschool supports social and emotional development.
3. Preschool fosters cooperation and playful learning.
4. Preschool introduces kids to structure.
5. Preschool teaches kids how to make decisions.
6. Preschool teaches children how to find answers to their questions.

There are many more reasons that make preschool an important phase of your child’s education. The key here is that all of these factors work together to create a truly enriching learning experience for preschoolers.

What Are the Benefits of Preschool?

When you enroll your children in a quality preschool program, they will receive a well-rounded beginning to their formal education. It builds a foundation for them to enter into kindergarten and on into elementary school. All of the activities, including play and learning in a well-designed curriculum, will ensure that they are prepared. 

The benefits of preschool include:

1. Children learn to work with others and to care about others in the group. This can include learning, cooperation, and sharing.
2. They learn to be independent. In addition to the social aspect of preschool, kids also learn how to work and learn independently. 
3. Your child will learn their ABCs and 123s, in a fun structured environment, as well as continue to develop their language skills.
4. Children continue to develop their motor skills through play and group activities.

Benefits of Preschool: Statistics

Here are two key pieces of data demonstrating the importance of preschool, including improving the odds your child will stay in school and advance on to college:

• College Degrees: According to a JAMA Pediatrics study, attending preschool is “significantly associated with a 48% higher rate of degree completion.”
• Staying in School: Early childhood education “leads to statistically significant reductions in special education placement (8.1 percentage points) and grade retention (8.3 percentage points), and increases in high school graduation rates (11.4 percentage points).” (Source)

Conclusion

Preschool is a critical part of your child’s education, and possibly the most important component. Preschool creates good habits, teaches structure, promotes social and emotional skills, and gets your child ready for kindergarten and for years to come. If you have any questions about your child’s preschool education, visit one of our campuses (Gilbert, Mesa) or call us today.