Families with young children often wonder, “What is early childhood education?” and “How does an early childhood education prepare my child for success? Before we fully comprehend the importance of early childhood education, we need to recognise the differences in learning and development inherent in ‘early years’ children and the need for a comprehensive and well-rounded education programme during this time.

In this blog, we’ll uncover the importance of early childhood care and education and its impact on a child’s overall development.

What Is Early Childhood Education

Early childhood care and education is a programme designed for the children between ages zero and the start of primary education. This includes both early childhood educational development (ECED) and pre-primary education.

In early childhood, the brain of a child is highly sensitive to the environment around them between the ages of birth and eight years old. For children to be prepared well for their future, they must learn critical skills and foundational concepts during this period of “remarkable growth.” The early childhood education curriculum emphasises the milestones, skills, and concepts important for children at this point in their lives, including social and emotional development, numeracy, literacy, and critical thinking.

At K.R. Mangalam World School, we consider the development of high-quality early childhood education and care for their future. Also, we promote high-quality early childhood education as an important component of sustainable development. The foundational aspect of education directly impacts children’s lives, which is reflected in improved national prosperity, inclusion, and economic growth. 

The Purpose of Early Childhood Education

The key goal of early childhood education is to help children develop the emotional, social, and cognitive skills they need to become lifelong learners. The Zero to Three Foundation stresses the importance of young learners acquiring these skills:

• Language and Literacy: A child’s ability to read and write is largely determined by his or her ability to speak. Reading and learning to communicate are two of the most effective ways for a child to become interested in books.
• Thinking: A child’s understanding of Maths concepts and problem-solving skills develops as they use and apply them.
• Self-control: Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to express and manage emotions appropriately.
• Self-confidence: Taking on new challenges is easier when children feel competent and confident in themselves.

Why is Early Childhood Education Important

A baby’s brain is a quarter the size of adults when they are born, and they reach 90 percent of their adult size by the time they reach five years old. During these early years, the brain makes millions of synapses every second, an important period of development. It has been found that high-quality ECE programs can have a positive long-term effect on children. The National Education Association (NEA) reports that in children enrolled in early childhood education programmes:

• Grades are less likely to be repeated.
• Have a better academic foundation for later grades.
• High school graduation rate is higher.
• In the workforce, they are more likely to earn higher salaries.

What Does a High-Quality ECCE Program Look Like

ECCE’s full form is Early Childhood Care and Education. This programme offers a holistic development of a child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs to build a solid and broad foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing. Developing a dynamic, challenging, enriching, and carefully planned ECCE programme for early childhood education is fundamental to its success.

The most important elements of a quality early childhood program are the following:

• There is enough time for learning and small class sizes with low student-to-teacher ratios.
• The ability to provide engaging interactions and classroom environments is a hallmark of well-prepared teachers.
• Standards and curriculum for early learning based on research and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Assessing the academics, social-emotional development, and physical fitness of children.
• Coaches and mentors provide ongoing support for teachers.

Conclusion

At K.R. Mangalam World School, our priority is to guide and accompany children as they move through their preschool years. Our comprehensive early childhood plans are designed to provide a stimulating, supporting environment where children can grow and develop critical skills. These programmes and activities help them form positive relationships with others, both children and educators, and develop a sense of belonging within the school and family.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is meant by early childhood education?

Early childhood care and education is a programme designed for the children between ages zero and the start of primary education.

 Why is early childhood education important?

Childhood education aims at the holistic development of a child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs. As a result, it lays a solid and broad foundation for lifelong learning and well-being.

 How does early childhood education prepare my child for success?

The ECE programmes help the children to engage with their classmates, gain problem-solving skills, and grow in empathy and self-awareness.

How does K.R. Mangalam World School approach early childhood education?

At K.R. Mangalam World School, we offer a comprehensive early childhood plan designed to provide a stimulating, supporting environment where children can grow and develop critical skills.