The Importance of Early Childhood Education
2007-03-12

By D. E. Herrod, B.Ed.E, M.Div

Early childhood education is a vital and often misunderstood part of the educational process. It is the foundation upon which future academic success is built. Children who enter kindergarten and first grade with a wide range of educational experiences do better than those who have not.

Early childhood education is much more than sending your child to a preschool. Some preschools are little more than babysitting and little emphasis is placed on active learning. Preschool is view as more of a socialization process. While socialization and learning how to get along with others is an important part that should not be the major focus of a preschool program. Other preschool programs are too academic and preschool is merely an extension of first and second grade. Still other preschools programs focus on readiness and providing learning experiences. Play is used as a means for teaching. I taught in a program for 2 ½ to 5 year olds that used a play based curriculum. The emphasis was on literature based learning activities that included writing experiences but not worksheet based. Children where provided with a wide range of age appropriate activities. Many of the 3 and 4 year olds in the program could not only write their own names but the names of their friends as well.

Early education begins in the home and should begin when your child is an infant. Reading to your child is probably one of the most important early learning activities. Rhyming and predictable books are especially good for language development.

Young children learn best through play. The key is to providing a variety of materials experience that promotes learning. It does not need to be highly structured either. Puzzles, blocks and problems solving toys promote the development of cognitive and math skills. Create a writing center for your child that includes paper or other writing materials, pencils, crayons, chalk, and markers. This activity does involve time training your child how to properly use the materials. You might also want to include a copy of the alphabet, your child’s name and other words or names for you child to copy. Do not force your child to copy the items but rather make them available for you child. Provide you child with a variety of art materials with to experiment. Include items such as crayons, paints, markers, scissors, stamps, construction, etc. It is important to set guidelines for using many of these supplies. Also train your child to be responsible for clean-up.

It is good to begin teaching your child self-help and functional skills during the preschool years. Give your child age appropriate chores such as picking up their toys, feeding the pet, etc. Young children enjoy helping parents or adults do tasks. Include you child in activities such as cooking.

A good early childhood education is a foundational part of a good education. It does not have to be a formal program but rather needs to be rich with learning experiences.