As a parent, it’s challenging to make educational choices for young children and toddlers. You anticipate that your child has many school years ahead. Yet, it’s hard to imagine that early childhood education would change a child’s ultimate educational outcome.
Based on research and years of experience, educators have learned that those initial years are critical to a child’s lifelong development. As a parent, you can set your young child on a solid educational path, and you have one chance to get it right.
If you keep your child at home or in a babysitter-only environment, they will still grow and develop. But, when they miss out on early education, they also miss out on the more profound, richer educational experiences that help children build a foundation for lifelong success.
Early childhood education encourages brain development
Brain development through positive experiences is one of the significant benefits of early education. Research has consistently shown that your child’s brain remains flexible from age zero to five. In addition, new experiences and challenges help a child’s brain grow and develop. A child’s brain forms new connections during this period–up to 1 million new neurons every second.
As a child grows older, that flexibility and opportunities for development diminish. In the article” What is a “Critical Period” in Brain Development?” the non-profit Zero to Three explains that the critical period for language learning begins to close at around age five. In their article, “Does Experience Change the Actual Structure of the Brain?” the author answers, “Yes.”
She further explains that a child’s brain is “activity-dependent.” It responds to activities that “excite” specific neural circuits. It prunes away unused circuits, while stimulated circuits get stronger and work more efficiently and quickly. That’s what happens when your child has consistent, positive learning experiences at a young age.
Children learn new skills through socialization and play
The Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center encourages socialization among families and children. When children socialize with new people in new environments, they learn new traditions and experience how other families interact.
Children learn to cooperate and comply with new rules and guidelines through play in organized settings. They also learn to interact, communicate, and solve problems.
It’s up to you
Early childhood education produces so many positive outcomes, and it helps prepare your child for the future. It’s beneficial for children, but it’s not mandatory. As a parent, you make the childhood education decision for your little ones. You have one chance to get it right.
Contact The Learning Center
Contact us to learn more about our early childhood education programs in Windsor, South Windsor, and Manchester, CT. You may reach us at (860) 643-8639. Or, visit our contact page.