Should Preschool Be Mandated?

I have pondered this question quite a bit recently. Having worked in the field of early childhood development for the past 10 years, I have come to develop strong personal and professional opinions about this topic. We live in a world of increasing competition and growing knowledge, so should preschool be mandated as the first step in organized education?

Personally, I don't believe that many things should be mandated. I feel that once we begin to relinquish control over important aspects of our lives, including the paths our children will take, we begin to lose our sense of individuation. Most parents are the expert on their own child. They know their own child best, and no teacher, therapist, or other professional can say that they are the experts on a particular child (unless of course it is their own). Over time, I feel like we are relinquishing our role as experts on our own children. It is so important to retain and advocate for this role, because, in fact, we are the experts.

That being said, I believe that preschool and early learning programs are crucial to the overall growth and development of the child. Learning of all kinds begins so early. This learning is not limited to educational knowledge (for example, math, science, reading, etc.). Early childhood learning encompasses the development of self, social interactions, emotional development, and many more areas. Early learning programs are extremely beneficial because they begin to "plant the seed" in a child's mind about developing their whole sense of self. More programs are beginning to embrace the social-emotional aspects of development, and are working to foster the development of interpersonal relationships that set the foundation for the rest of life.

While I feel that these programs are crucial for a child, I don't believe that they are right for ALL children. Nor are all programs equal in quality. Searching for the right program for YOUR child and not settling for one that doesn't make a good "fit" is instrumental in maximizing your child's potential. There are also other ways to incorporate early childhood education into a child's day if they do not go to preschool. Informal and formal playgroups, classes, and basic social interactions with peers provides a similar opportunity if done appropriately. Young children need to begin to develop a sense of value about themselves and others. They also need to begin to understand their feelings and emotions, and how this impacts their behavior. Solutions strategies for conflict and disagreement need to be taught and modeled for children, so that they are able to begin to develop independence in this area. Working out problems on their own is a delicate skill that takes time, sensitivity, and practice to develop. Talk to your child, include them in daily activities, schedule activities, and expose them to as many experiences as possible, even if they do attend an early learning program.

I do believe that there is value in adding structure to a child's day before they enter kindergarten. This structure paired with exposure to peer interactions equips a child with the tools they need to be successful when they do enter a formal school environment. I do believe that parents should have a choice about if, when, and where to place their child at such a young age, but I also believe that ALL families should have the opportunity and means to place their child in an early learning center of their choice, regardless of their financial ability to do so.

Early learning is vastly important, because at this age children are absorbing at an amazing rate. Children want to learn, and are open to accepting what they are tauuight. Not only do parents know their child best, but they are also their child's first and best teacher. What happens in the home will make have the strongest impact on a child's development and esteem. Children at this young age are also at a place in their development where their experiences will leave a lifelong imprint on them.

Advocate for your child, and expose them to as much richness, experiences, and love as possible. You are the expert on your child!