ReadyWeb Provides Assistance for Early Education

As the grandmother of the most brilliant three-year-old girl on the face of this planet, I feel qualified to address the subject of early education. I will admit that the staff and experts at The National Institute for Early Education Research can provide a more thorough understanding of the subject. This organization "supports early childhood education initiatives by providing objective, nonpartisan information based on research."

There seem to be two schools of thought about early education. Some are concerned that early education, preschools, play groups, Joy Schools and other organized learning opportunities are detrimental to creative childhood development. Others are convinced that early education is key to a full childhood and a springboard to successful adulthood.

I can't help but wonder if the opponents of early education would be more receptive if we emphasize "school readiness". When I was a teenager, my father was director of pre-schools established by Encyclopedia Britannica. I had occasion during my summers to be a teacher's aid at one of those facilities. The skills that we taught the children were pre-school level skills. They were taught how to recite the alphabet, tie their shoes, zip their coats, not to run with scissors, names for the colors and other things that now might be called early education. As a resource for 21st century parents, ReadyWeb provides a Virtual Library of the full text of documents and articles, and hyperlinks to documents and articles, on various topics related to school readiness. ReadyWeb also provides bibliographies of documents and journal articles from the ERIC database.

According to the authors of 'Connecting with Parents in the Early Years' "parents who were surveyed believed that academic competencies were more important to kindergarten readiness than did the teachers surveyed. Teachers tended to rate the following non-academic child characteristics as "essential" or "very important" criteria of readiness:

Physically healthy, rested, well-nourished (96%);
Communicates needs, wants, and thoughts verbally (84%);
Enthusiastic and curious in approaching new activities (76%);
Can follow directions (60%);
Is not disruptive of the class (60%);
Is sensitive to other children's feelings (58%);
And
Takes turns (55%).

Preparation for kindergarten or early education would seem to have very little to do with the Three 'R's. Based on these findings, a successful early education would follow a curriculum that emphasizes the development of social skills, listening skills and the encouragement of imagination. I vaguely remember providing an early education of my children in these areas. My backside can recall the early education I received that addressed the concerns of these teachers.

If successful early education is measured by the physical condition of the children, then emphasizing a proper diet in the home is essential. Children aren't getting enough sleep, and many parents do not identify their children's sleep problems as an issue that should be addressed. Doctors often aren't asking enough questions about their young patients' sleep.

On average, children get less sleep during a 24-hour period than recommended by sleep experts. To address the concern of their future teachers, a child's early education should include adjusting their sleep habits to accommodate the recommended daily requirements.

Infants aged 3 -11 months should get 14-15 hours
Toddlers aged 1 to 3 years should get 12-14 hours
Preschoolers aged 3 to 5 should get 11-13 hours.

The teachers also emphasized that early education will include the development of communication skills. A visit to the Beyond-Words website developed by the York Region Preschool Speech and Language Program will provide easy to follow guidelines as parents and guardians provide an early education in communication. There are many ways to foster a child's speech and language skills. The site's Communication Tips provide additional ideas and language skills to promote speech specific to the child's age. Beginning with 6 months up to 5 years, the site provides benchmarks and exercises to keep children on track in the early education of communication skills.

In direct defiance of the people who think that early education will rob preschoolers of their childhood, teachers emphasize the need for enthusiasm and curiosity in their students. The development of enthusiasm and curiosity is the mainstay of childhood. In providing an early education for your preschooler, teachers suggest that parents "Just try to encourage your child to explore and learn in your home environment." "Help your child become an independent, enthusiastic, curious learner." You don't need to buy a lot of special toys or equipment to turn a child into a creative thinker. The best thing you can do is to be a good listener and to talk with your child as you and he or she go about your normal, everyday household chores. You will find that this kind of attention has a wonderful effect on children and makes your job as parent more fun and interesting - and sometimes easier.

A final resource to assist parents in their efforts to choose and/or provide an early education for their preschoolers is found at the website for National Association for the Education of Young Children. They've dedicated a special section of the website to highlight resources especially for parents and families with young children.

Quoting the NAEYC Vision Statement
"NAEYC's efforts are designed to achieve these ends:

All children have access to a safe and accessible, high quality early childhood education that includes a developmentally appropriate curriculum; knowledgeable and well-trained program staff and educators; and comprehensive services that support their health, nutrition, and social well-being, in an environment that respects and supports diversity.

All early childhood professionals are supported as professionals with a career ladder, ongoing professional development opportunities, and compensation that attract and retain high quality educators.

All families have access to early childhood education programs that are affordable and of high quality and actively participate in their children's education as respected reciprocal partners.

All communities, states, and the nation work together to ensure accountable systems of high-quality early childhood education for all children."