There has been much debate over the years in the education field about the long-term benefits of preschool and the results have turned out not exactly like one would imagine. Like with many preschool type programs, the lasting and long-term educational facts surrounding preschool are pretty inconclusive. Some studies have found the long-term effects of learning and overall boost in intelligence with children who have gone to preschool are minimal at best. Many of these studies show preschool is not all it's cracked up to be and therefore state funding for such programs like Head Start, which is geared for children ages 3 to 5, is not worth spending the money over. However, other studies have shown that preschool is a great opportunity for early social development in younger children, which can have a direct effect on how kids do later on in school both socially and academically. Others might find fault with preschool programs because they might be a cost some parents cannot afford. Sometimes daycare facilities will also offer a preschool program that can be affordable for parents. There are also social programs like Head Start offered through the public school system that is a free form of preschool. Other parents might find it easier to just teach their child many of the lessons taught in preschool at home or preschool online rather than sending them away for a formal education before the child is kindergarten age. Despite the downsides to preschool, there are many benefits as well including the aforementioned fact that students do better socially after attending preschool than the kids who have little to no social experience before kindergarten. Another upside to preschool is that some studies have shown increase in overall academic performance in kindergartners and those students in early grades like first and second grades. This chance of increase in learning and being open to learning how to learn at such a young age might be worth the effort to send their child to preschool, according to some parents. According to one in-depth study, children who attended preschool were also less likely to get involved in adult crime, had higher earnings, wealth, less welfare dependence and a greater chance of a commitment to marriage than children who did not attend preschool.  One stipulation about the positive results of preschool is that the preschools that have high quality programs are the ones that develop the positive lasting results for its attendees. These studies also show it is important for parents to play a role in their child's education during the time they are attending preschool meaning it is important for them to have "homework" or for the parent to make regular visits to the preschool and help out their child with assignments or projects while they are there. 

Because high quality preschools are the schools with the most positive and long-term lasting effects on a child's overall development and aptitude for academia and positive social behaviors, it is important to find a preschool for your child that offers that quality education. The downside is that many of the best preschools charge a high price for the educational experience your child may receive. The best way to find what is the greatest option for your child is to shop around. Compare preschools in the area. Do not be afraid to talk to the preschool owner or to teachers who may work there. Also, talk to parents of the children that attend preschool at that facility and see what they think of the overall experience. Find a preschool that allows you to become involved in your own child's education as well. Getting feedback on the school and understanding how the program works is a great way to find the best preschool to fulfill your child's educational needs.

 

Sources:  ceep.crc.illinois.edu