Currently the conversation about providing quality preschool education is becoming more popular and public. Concerns are rising as we see that low incomes children may not be performing as well academically and that could stem from not having early learning education or even not have quality early learning education. With parents working much more, “daycares” are changing gears towards early learning education and not just babysitting. Preschools are prepping children for grade school by incorporating more academics in the schools. “ According to some studies, children enrolled in these programs are more behaved and have higher IQ scores upon enrolling kindergarten than their peers without formal education. Likewise, it was shown that children enrolled in Head Start programs learned quicker than children not enrolled in these programs.” (Education Corner) While some parents definitely feel they could handle homeschooling, not all parents can or even have the time to do it. Especially considering a single-parent homes are becoming way more common.
From my personal experience, I believe preschool is a great tool and is effective if executed properly. I love teaching the little ones. However, I have an on-going debate in my head about whether I would actually put my children in preschool or not when I do have them. I would definitely for social reasons. Children need to be around children their age and learn from them as well as how to learn social behaviors.
Early learning is such rapidly growing field. It changes with each generation because each generation learning differently. I believe two things will happen over the next 5-10 years. I believe the technology in preschools will advance beyond my imagination. Children will have more access to smart boards, tablets but won’t be completely desensitized because they will still be learning and interacting with teacher and students. I also believe there will be a surge of families of who choose homeschooling as an option. I know I have talked to some women my age and they are homeschooling, being stay-at-home moms, etc. With these two possible changes it will be imperative to have a more qualified staff with an educational background in early learning and on-going training for staff. Thus, could possibly increase compensation for teachers across the board.
Reference
Education Corner. What Is So Important About Early Childhood Education?. Retrieved from http://www.educationcorner.com/importance-of-early-childhood-education.html
Hi Quintina I also agree that children need to be around other children. This is how they establish relationships and discover the world.
ReplyDeleteHi Quintina, i agree with you that preschool can be an excellent opportunity for young children when it is taught by qualified teachers that understand child development and how to reach each child where they are individually. Homeschooling I agree is definitely another option that more families are considering for their children's education. I have a friend that is currently homeschooling her children because she felt that the standards that some of the schools are requiring for acceptance will force her children to learn at a pace that might not be good for them. Which really makes a lot of people be uncertain if these programs are going to be right for their children.
ReplyDeleteGreat Blog! Thanks for sharing