Many have questioned the benefits of Preschool. Thru research and field studies over the years, the following benefits for both child and parent conclude:

For the child:

Social and Emotional Development

In preschool, children will learn to strengthen their social and emotional development. Children learn how to compromise, be respectful and problem solve. Preschool provides an environment for children, to explore, gain a sense of self, play with peers and build self-confidence. Children learn they can accomplish tasks and make decisions without the help of their parents.

School Readiness

Behavior management is a major part of preschool learning. In preschool, children learn how to be students. Children learn patience, how to raise their hands and take turns. Children learn how to share the teacher’s attention. Children also learn about routine, following directions and waiting. Quality preschools help children find answers through exploration, experimentation, and conversation. Going to preschool also helps children learn to separate from their parent or caregiver.

Promote Language and Cognitive Skills

Children’s language skills are nurtured in a “language-rich” environment. In a classroom setting, teachers help children strengthen their language skills by introducing new vocabulary during art, snack time, and other activities. Teachers engage students with thought-provoking questions to give children many opportunities to learn language through singing, talking about books, creative play and simple observations.

Academics

In pre-school pre-math and pre-literacy skills are introduced. Children are taught numbers and letters, but it is taught in a way that is appealing to children at that age, thru play. Children sing an alphabet song while following along in a picture book or learn rhymes and chants, which help them to notice the distinct sounds within words. Teachers read stories to children to encourage their listening, comprehension, and expressive language skills. Matching games, sorting games and counting games build children’s understanding of numbers, and sequences. Putting puzzles together encourages children to notice patterns and to work on problem-solving skills.

*In Canada, spelling, reading and number academics are offically taught from Kindergarten to grade 3. K-3 is the age appropriate timeframe, for the learning of these subjects.*

Children learn best through activities they find interesting, such as songs, storytime, and imaginative play. Preschool is not about achieving academic success; it is about creating a well-round child who wants to explore and question their surroundings. In preschool children will gain the confidence of themselves as capable and independent learners.

Self-Confidence

In pre-school, children learn they can actually do things for themselves. Children will learn to wash their hands, go to the bathroom and take off their shoes without an adult doing it for them. Children may have classroom jobs and take pride in helping out in the classroom. Learning new skills helps builds confidence.

A quality early childhood education provides children with cognitive, behavioral and social skills they cannot learn at home. Teachers find it easier to teach a child who possesses a strong preschool education background in language skills, listening comprehension, attention management skills, and a positive attitude toward learning.

Healthy development in the early years provides the building blocks for educational achievement, economic productivity, responsible citizenship, lifelong health, strong communities, and successful parenting of the next generation.(Developingchild.havard.edu)