Investing in Pre-K is a proven strategy to improve student success. Children who start kindergarten on time, or even early, have a better chance of graduating from high school, entering college, and achieving economic self-sufficiency. In addition, they have a lower likelihood of developing health problems later in life.
However, the benefits of preschool may diminish in elementary school. This is because some skills are complex and require multiple levels of catch-up. A good pre-k program can help kids develop their social and emotional skills, as well as their academic ones. The program can also boost their chances of achieving success as adults, reducing their odds of being held back and receiving special education. A high-quality Pre-K program can also increase their chances of working and earning higher wages.
A good pre-k program will encourage children to behave well, respect others, and learn how to take care of themselves. They will also have an opportunity to interact with peers and be involved in a structured, nurturing environment. Research has shown that children who attend preschool learn more than their non-Pre-K peers.
The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) regularly assesses state policies and classroom experiences. They are looking for ways to connect the dots in early childhood, asking what more should be done to make preschool a successful experience for all children. The answer may be a universal Pre-K program that brings together children of all backgrounds. This can bring more children to preschool and help meet the demand for childcare for lower-income families. The program can also reduce costs for high-income families.
Other research suggests that preschool programs can be beneficial beyond kindergarten. According to one study, if the curriculum of a program is strengthened, it can be used to teach more complex skills, such as critical thinking. In another, students in a preschool program are more likely to complete school and are less likely to be incarcerated.
The most important skill to foster at Pre-K is self-regulation. This involves learning how to be responsible, and respectful, as well as problem-solving skills. These skills are vital to a child's overall development. It can be difficult for young children to express their emotions. When they don't earn rewards, they can feel embarrassed, frustrated, or ashamed.
Researchers are also looking for ways to improve programs that are already underway. Many studies show that children who attend a state-funded Pre-K program are more likely to succeed in their first-grade classes and in their early elementary school grades. In addition, they are more likely to read at home. These benefits can last until the child's eighth-grade math class and may continue for students in a more mature Pre-K program.
Despite the research, the debate over universal Pre-K programs has yet to be settled. While there are financial and logistical drawbacks to a universal pre-k system, proponents of the program believe that the benefits outweigh the risks. The program can also bring low-income and middle-class children together in the classroom and provide opportunities for diverse classrooms.
If you live in Florida and your child turns four years of age by September 1st, your child is eligible to participate in Florida's Pembroke Pines or Miramar. We would love to hear from you.
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