Mandating High-Quality Preschool

By: Kaitlyn 

Currently, the biggest debated question going around is should high-quality preschools be mandated? From journals that I read online to my student’s parents discussing their opinions on the matter, it seems to be the hot topic.

While there are many parents and educators for early education, there are some parents who are totally against it. These parents feel as if education to early is detrimental to their child and feel as if they are forced to grow up. Although I am not a parent myself, I cannot seem to understand why parents are so against early education when there are so many benefits to it.

High-quality preschool education is among the most successful education reforms and can close almost half of the achievement gap (Mathis, 2012). While this may be true, it is critical that preschools contain key elements in order to achieve these goals. High-quality preschools contain small class sizes and ratios, trained teachers, and learning goals tied to the standards. These three key elements allow the children attending the preschool to receive more one-on-one attention as well as student-initiated lessons.

Not only does high-quality preschools help to close the achievement gap, but there are many other benefits to it. Research has shown that children provided with preschool programs are better prepared for kindergarten programs. They also develop socialization skills, cooperation skills, respect for others, and an enthusiasm for learning when they are in a setting with different children. However, children benefit the most when teachers engage in stimulating interactions that support learning and are emotionally supportive (Yoshikawa, 2013). Therefore, with all of these benefits that children gain from going to preschool, how could parents be against sending their children to these schools?

Research shows that children gain life-long benefits from attending high-quality preschools. However, if parents or teachers are still not convinced it is best for young children, some resources are listed below to inform them more about these schools and the benefits gained from attending them.

·      Want to understand the key benefits of early childhood education from a teacher’s perspective? Use this link to learn more! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/vicki-palmer/the-13-key-benefits-of-ea_b_7943348.html

·      Confused on what a high-quality preschool is and why we need it? Get educated here: http://nieer.org/resources/policybriefs/1.pdf

·      Trying to decide if your child’s school is high-quality? Use this link to learn what these types of preschools should contain: http://laup.net/documents/resources/research/laup_definition_of_a_quality_preschool_experience.pdf

·      Want to know if your child’s program is developmentally appropriate? The NAEYC website will give you info on how preschools should approach these important areas of development: http://families.naeyc.org/accredited-article/good-preschool-your-child

·      Interested in reviewing studies that show long-term benefits to high-quality preschools? Check out the National Education Association website to learn about the research done on the benefits of these schools: http://www.nea.org/home/18163.htm

Resources

Mathis, W. (2012). Preschool Education. Research-Based Options for Education   Policymaking. National Education Policy Center. Retrieved November 1, 2015,   from npc.colorado.edu/publication/options.   

Yoshikawa, H. (2013). Investing In Our Future: The Evidence Base on Preschool Education. Society for Research in Child Development, 1-6.