The document discusses the importance and benefits of early childhood education. It notes that large gaps in cognitive abilities are present before kindergarten between advantaged and disadvantaged children. These gaps remain consistent later in life. Early childhood education from ages 3 to 5 is crucial for setting a strong educational foundation and has benefits that last a lifetime, such as higher IQ, less need for special education or grade repetition, and increased earning potential as an adult. The document argues that all states should offer free early childhood education programs and make pre-K and Head Start mandatory to ensure all children receive these important educational services early on.
2. THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY
CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
• Large gaps between advantaged and disadvantaged children are present
before Kindergarten (Porter, 2013)
• Gaps in cognitive functions are seen early on and are the same later in life
(Porter, 2013)
• Development of the brain causes children to be more receptive between
birth and age three.
• Early childhood education is imperative to setting the foundation that will
make or break a child’s education
• Children who receive early childhood education have benefits that last for
the rest of their life
• Half of 5-year-olds from poor homes will not have the math, reading, or
behavioral skills needed to begin Kindergarten (Porter, 2013)
3. OFFERING EARLY
CHILDHOOD EDUCTION
• All states should be required to offer free early childhood education
in the public schools
• Schools should with Head Start instead of Kindergarten (Head Start
and Pre-K should be standard for all schools)
• Compulsory education should start at age 3 in all states to ensure
that a child is receiving Early Childhood Education
4. BENEFITS OF EARLY
CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
• Higher IQ
• Less likely to repeat grades or require special education
• Improved and strengthened interactions with peers
• Higher language and math abilities
• Improved parent-child relationship
• Lower drop-out rates, more likely to graduate
• More likely to own homes and have longer marriages
• More behaved, less likely to have future trouble with the law
• Increased earning potential as an adult
5. REFERENCE
Porter, E. (2013). Investments in Education May be Misdirected.
Retrieved from The New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/03/business/studies-highlight-
benefits-of-early-education.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
