Early Learning is Key!

By. Meredith Biesinger 

There tends to be a significant emphasis on K-12 education, and rightfully so, we all know that it is crucial! However, preschool or early childhood education is an essential component for student success as well as developing a love of learning. 

A child’s early years are the foundation for their future development, providing a solid base for lifelong learning and learning abilities, including cognitive and social development. Well-established research emphasizes the importance of early childhood education as an essential building block of a child’s future success.

Did you know that enrollment in Pre-k programs dropped 22%? Kindergarten enrollment has also experienced a decline, with a 9% loss in enrollment.

The lack of available and affordable quality pre-k education programs in many states negatively impacts students, families, and educators. Some of this loss is attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on school closures. However, there is a much larger, underlying issue that has been around well before 2020. 

Many children are not prepared for Kindergarten The rigor of the standards causes many students and families to struggle to master the content being assessed in the classroom and at the state level. Let’s be honest; this is stressful for all parties involved: student, parent, and teacher. 

In a perfect world, we could obtain ample funding for each state to offer quality, affordable early childhood education to each student and adequately prepare them for their K-12 education journey! Wouldn’t that be amazing?! However, until that day comes, here are some resources that can be used in the classroom or at home to help prepare young students for their present and future. 

ABCmouse Early Learning Academy offers a research-validated curriculum for preschool, pre-k, Kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade. The program includes more than 10,000 individual Learning Activities and a Step-by-Step Learning Path. Have you wanted to try ABC Mouse? Well, now you can for only $5! 

Hooked on Phonics uses a proven, simple, and fun method to teach critical reading skills. Developed by leading educators, each session takes just 20 minutes or less. Right now, your first month is only $1! 

Reading Eggs is a unique online world where children learn to read from ages 2-13. Reading Eggs supports each child’s learning by offering individual, one-on-one lessons that allow children to progress at their own pace. Children enjoy and are motivated by the more than 1,000 activities, games, songs, golden eggs, and other rewards! Your first month is free! 

Hand 2 Mind offers engaging, classroom-tested materials that empower students to learn by doing! It is a series of free daily lessons and activities for K-5 students created and delivered by teachers. You can also find preschool activities, STEM creations, and more! In the words of Marie Montessori, “The most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period from birth to the age of six.”