Throughout the last ten years, more and more children are being sent to daycare centers and submerged into educational programs like preschool or pre-k before they attend elementary school. Some may wonder if it’s beneficial and I am here to tell them that it certainly is.
The social interaction that comes with attending a preschool or pre-k program does wonders for children. They not only get to make friends and interact with other children, but they learn that there are diverse people in this world and that it is OK to be different. They will pick up on ethnic, racial, gender and even physical differences. And that is a great thing for children. It allows them to adapt at an early age, and, being that the world is as diverse as it is, it allows the children to accept all the combinations of people that they will meet for the duration of their lives.
Not only will being in a preschool or pre-k program benefit children with their social interaction abilities, but it will also prepare them for kindergarten and give them an educational foundation to start their career as students. Preschool and pre-k programs teach children about the world in a way they would understand it. They participate in experiments and critical thinking, and they are taught to recognize their names and how to write letters and numbers (close to graduation in pre-k). The children are taught to sing songs and express their thoughts. Not to mention, the whole program gives them an opportunity to be a part of a group, which is great for self-esteem because it gives belongingness.
The children in these programs are more likely to have a sense of independence. They are less likely to cling to their parents at all times and are more likely to make friends in the future. The children are able to adapt more independently to different environments.
Although the other reasons are valuable for a child's development, I feel as though the most valuable part of the preschool and pre-k programs of today is the learning through play approach. This approach is newer, meaning it was recently seen as an important part of a child’s development. Playing may seem like it’s just something fun for a child to do, but it teaches the children more than just how to have fun. It teaches children how to share and how to play (get along) with others. Playing gives the children an opportunity to be imaginative and creative. It relates to real life, especially when children role play--for example, playing doctor’s office or restaurant. The children have to learn that the doctor is different from the receptionist, and the waiter or waitress is different from the chef. Learning through play is important, especially because they get the chance to play with others, which is a main reason why preschool and pre-k programs are extremely beneficial.
Frankly, any child, even if they are under the age of three, will still have similar outcomes if they attend a daycare--especially if they stay and go into a preschool or pre-k program. So, therefore, I am suggesting that even if one parent does not work, or it is cheaper to keep your children with their grandparents, at least send them to a preschool or pre-k program part-time to give them the chance to develop and intellectually grow in the most beneficial way possible.
