O10: Why Preschool Education Programs Is So Important

Neurological development is largely a result of the learning that takes place starting at birth and during the earliest years of life. Child Care and Preschool Education Programs are key to predicting ultimate success in school and life. Children who attend preschool or other early education programs have enhanced cognitive, verbal, and social development (which is maintained into the first few years of school). They also enter school better prepared to learn, have significantly higher IQs and achievement, are less likely to need individual education support, are less likely to exhibit delinquency and antisocial behavior, and tend to have good social development.Children in low-income families often are not able to participate in early education or quality child care programs. Children growing up in poverty or near poverty also face many health and environmental risks. Many facilities that offer child care for children living in poverty do not provide the kind of quality care that supports optimal development and may actually compromise their health and safety. Quality care and early education are essential components of every child's life. Policymakers should be clear about their expectations for children entering school and create policies make a priority opportunities and experiences that promote the best neurodevelopment of all children.