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The Benefits of Early Childhood Education

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The Benefits of Early Childhood Education
The Benefits of Early Childhood Education

Introduction

Early childhood education is a term that is used to commonly describe the formal teaching and care of young children by individuals or professionals other than their family or in settings outside the child’s home. Based on the definition provided by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, early childhood education spans the child’s life from birth to the age of eight.

That being said, the general definition adopted by the majority of school districts throughout the world will typically employ a system of early childhood education starting from birth to when a child starts school—which typically occurs at the age of five.

The definitions regarding early childhood education are somewhat arbitrary; however, the majority of school jurisdictions throughout the world have defined the curriculum as taking place between a child’s birth until he or she reaches the age of 6. This period is regarded as one of the most critical in regards to a child’s development, for the years, which constitute early childhood education, denote the most influential period of growth and development. From zero to age 6 is the period of greatest growth and development for a child; at this stage, the brain develops most rapidly.

During this period, a child will begin walking, talking, developing a self-esteem and manufacturing a vision of the world. As a result of these innate developments, the child will build a moral foundation that is ultimately intertwined with the ability to perform rudimentary educational tasks.

Social and Emotional Development
Having your child attend the same preschool programme throughout his or her early years allows him or her to develop relationships with the adults and children in that environment, which provides a sense of security. A child who is comfortable with the people in his or her life is more likely to participate in learning opportunities and in



References: Barnett, W. S. (1995). Long-term effects of early childhood programs on cognitive and school outcomes Brooks-Gunn, J. (2003). Do you believe in magic? Social Policy Report, 17(1), 3- 16 Campbell, F. A., & Ramey, C.T. (1994). Effects of early intervention on intellectual and academic achievement: A follow-up study of children from low-income families Consortium for Longitudinal Studies. (1983). As the twig is bent . . . lasting effects of preschool programs Duncan, G. J., & Magnuson, K. A. (2005). Can family socioeconomic resources account for racial and ethnic test score gaps? Future of Children, 15(1), 35-54 Magnuson, K. A., & Waldfogel, J. (2005). Early childhood care and education: Effects on ethnic and racial gaps in school readiness Phillips, D., & Adams, G. (2001). Child care and our youngest children. Future of Children, 11(1), 35-52 Rouse, C., Brooks-Gunn, J., & McLanahan, S. (2005). Introduction to school readiness: Closing racial and ethnic gaps Schweinhart, L. J. (2003, April). Benefits, Costs, and Explanation of the High/Scope Perry Preschool Program Wells, A. S., & Crain, R. L. (1997). Stepping over the color line: African- American students in White suburban schools Yoshikawa, H. (1995). Long-term effects of early childhood programs on social outcomes and delinquency

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