Things used to be a lot simpler back when we were young. Back then, parents would send their children to kindergarten at the age of four or five and after some time they would transition to primary school. 

These days, however, parents have a few extra choices to consider regarding their child’s early education. Although the option of simply sending your child to kindergarten at the age of five is still there, parents now have to decide whether or not they should send their kids to early learning centers or preschools before they step into kindergarten. Early learning centers have changed over the years in providing a curriculum that prepares your child for school. You can learn more about school that have accreditation certifications in teaching.

Making this decision and working out the best option for your child can be difficult and confusing. If you’re wondering if you should invest in an early learning center for your child, then don’t worry. This article is made with parents like you in mind. 

Keep reading to find out the importance of pre-schooling and why sending your child to an early learning center is actually the best thing you can do for them. Let’s get into it!

A Great Way to Prepare Kids for Kindergarten

Early learning centers like Gowrie aren’t like your average daycare providers. Generally, most daycare providers aim to only babysit children for their parents while they are busy at work. The main goal of early learning centers, on the other hand, is to teach each child a few important educational skills that will help them advance to the next stage. 

For many kids, early learning centers are often their first exposure to schooling. A good early schooling experience can be vital in setting the right pace for the rest of their education. 

Therefore, preschool or early learning centers can be great stepping stones in preparing children to get ready for future schooling (like kindergarten) and can make the transition much easier. 

Encourages the Development of Language and Cognitive Skills

The ages of 3 to 5 are very important in the development of your child’s cognitive functions and language skills. 

Between the age of 3 and 5 years, a child’s vocabulary exponentially grows from less than 1,000 words to about 2,500 words, with sentences also becoming much more complex. Early learning centers can give children the best environment to grow by giving them exposure to language-rich surroundings. 

Interactive and conversational games are commonly used by teachers in an early childhood learning centre to help positively reinforce language skills. Storytelling, singing, and talking about interests with other children in the early learning center can help refine their language skills and promote socialization.

The development of cognitive thinking skills is also encouraged by allowing children to participate in thought-provoking hands-on activities. According to this study, pre-kindergarten programs were found to have a significant positive effect on the cognitive skills of children. 

This is because the curriculum followed by most preschools is centered around taking advantage of the early learning ability of children to help propel cognitive skills forward. 

Children Learn the Importance of Helping Themselves and Others

The mind of a preschooler is like a sponge, always ready to soak up knowledge and learn new skills; as such, encouraging your child to try new things is vital for their development.
 
It is therefore important to always guide young, impressionable children and give them a few real responsibilities to teach them the importance of taking care of themselves and others. This way, early learning centers can help develop a sense of self-worth and pride in children.

Early learning centers encourage children to take on simple responsibilities like feeding the class pet or setting their tables.  These basic skills are important and can be used in everyday life even outside of school.

Promotes Social and Emotional Development

Good quality programs in early learning centers promote the development of important social skills in children and allow them to build trusting bonds with others. 

As opposed to traditional daycares, teachers in early learning centers actively try to develop certain emotional skills and push for active engagement and creativity. These important social and emotional skills are essential for success later in life.

Encourages Growth of Reading and Maths Skills

To get children ready for future education, early learning centers give them the chance to participate in activities and games that promote reading and math skills. Sorting and counting games are common in preschools and are designed to help promote the children’s understanding of numbers.

According to a study in 2016, early childhood learning programs like preschools have significant positive effects on maths and reading test scores on future tests taken in elementary schools. Additionally, the study found substantial reductions in special education and grade retention.

A Structured and Fun Learning Environment

Young children need to have some exposure to structured environments in their formative years. 

An organized environment with routine schedules (such as in learning centers) can help children become more responsible, willing to follow instructions, and form bonds with their teachers and peers. The schedules in early learning centers also promote the importance of balancing responsibilities like learning with socializing and playtime in children.

Early learning centers provide the best environment for children to grow, make friends, and learn along the way. 

Teachers don’t just correct children — they regularly encourage positive behaviors and coach children into learning the importance of sharing, following rules, and how to interact with others. All these tools are essential for success further ahead in life.

In the end, if you feel you can provide all the benefits of an early learning center to your child at home, then you shouldn’t invest in one. Here are 4 ways to foster learning during play at home.

But you’ll agree that it’s almost impossible to do so, which is why you should definitely consider sending your child to an early learning center!