Why early childhood education is important for school readiness
To the editor:
Working with young children has taught me that preparing a child for school starts long before the first day of kindergarten. Early childhood education gives children an opportunity to build the skills and confidence they will need when they enter a large classroom.
At Angel of Hope Christian Academy, I have watched children make progress in many different ways. Sometimes progress is learning to recognize a letter or number. Other times it is a child learning to write their name, communicate what they need, share with another child, or sit and listen to a story.
School readiness is not only about knowing the alphabet, colors, shapes, and numbers. Children also need to learn how to follow directions, express their feelings, solve simple problems, work with others, and become more independent.
Reading is another important part of preparing children for school. When we read with children, introduce new vocabulary words, practice letter sounds, and ask questions about stories, we are helping build skills they will continue to use throughout their education.
Parents also play an important role. I encourage families to read with their children at home and talk to them about what they are learning. When parents and teachers work together, children receive support both at school and at home.
After years of working in early childhood education, I believe every child learns differently and at their own pace. Our responsibility as educators is to meet children where they are, encourage their growth, and provide an environment where they feel safe enough to learn.
Early childhood education is more than preparing children for a test, it is about building a foundation. When we give children a strong beginning, we are helping prepare them not only for kindergarten, but for the many years of learning that will follow.
Adrian Newton
Fort Myers