It’s easy to focus on the future when thinking about your child’s education, but don’t forget about the present. The education they get in their early years is just as important and lays the groundwork for later education. Read on for key goals that are part of a quality preschool or early childhood education program.

1) Intellectual Development

“The most rapid brain changes and developments happen in the first five years of life. During no other time will our bodies or our minds change as much or be able to take in as much learning. In fact, humans learn more in the first five years then from the rest of our years combined!”*

Cutting-edge research is showing more clearly than ever as to how important the early years of your child’s education and development matter.  The time your child spends in the first five years will shape their cognitive, social, and linguistic capabilities, which contributes to their academic and professional success for the rest of their life.

Preschool programs give your child a head start. By the time they’re ready for kindergarten they can already have a good grasp of basics like math, art, handwriting, the alphabet, reading, and more. Beyond a list of subjects, early childhood education is also planned to awaken a love of learning in your child. Giving them that extra educational boost will help develop their mind and teach them to push their understanding.

2) Physical Development

Adults have a host of physical abilities that we don’t even think about, and probably don’t even remember learning. Many of these were learned during early childhood and these are the exact skills that are taught in preschool.

This covers basic physical skills like balance, coordination, body awareness, and motor planning. But physical development also includes fine motor skills and overall muscle control. For example, your child should learn hand-eye coordination as well as how to master bathroom skills.

3) Emotional Development

Our emotional well-being is central to who we are and how we approach the world. Preschool and early childhood education helps your child get a solid emotional base that will serve them well for the rest of their life.

Main emotional goals include helping your child get a sense of self-respect, teaching them how to adjust to new situations, and building a willingness to try new activities.For example,  you and your child learns how to emotionally handle separation from mom and dad in a safe and secure environment. Read these tips: Morning Routine Tips for Kids With Separation Anxiety

The best way to teach these will vary from child to child, but experienced preschool teachers are more than up to the task.

4) Social Development

We spend our lives with people in our family, community, and workplace, not to mention school. Early childhood educators concentrate on goals like getting along well with others students, getting along with adults, learning how to respect others, and thriving in an educational setting.

Preschool and early childhood education teaches your children the core social skills that will prepare them for kindergarten and beyond. These skills will boost children’s self-esteem, increase their ability to build healthy relationships with peers, and improve their flexibility as they adapt to new environments and expectations.

Our vision is to ultimately prepare our children for success by providing the best early childhood education in Indiana. We continue to implement new ways of effectively educating your children and provide the flexibility you need for your family’s schedule. We are driven to set expectations high and meet the highest standards in childcare and education.

Interested in a Career in early childhood education at ABC’s and 123’s Learning Centers? Click here.

Resources:

Lupoli, C. (2013, June/July). Your Baby’s Brain and You! Live Well Baby. Retrieved October 18, 2016, View PDF
Gates, W. H., Sr. (2007, April 17). Remarks by William H. Gates Sr., co-chair. Speech presented at Ounce of Prevention Fund Luncheon, Chicago, IL.
Trister Dodge, D., & Berke, K. (2013). The Creative Curriculum for Preschool Touring Guide. Bethesda, MD: Teaching Strategies.

This post was first published in 2015 and has been one of our most widely read articles! We have updated it with new information.