Early Childhood Education Programs

Name: Course: Professor: Date: Early Education Although primary education is recognized as a basic right, early childhood education is yet to be recognized as part of basic education. Early childhood education is a wide term used to describe the educational programs targeting children during their early years. Early childhood education programs consist of several activities designed to enhance children cognitive and their social development before they can be ready for school. Research studies have revealed that when children are enrolled in early learning, their social, physical and emotional development directly affects their overall development .That is why many stakeholders call for the need to invest in early childhood programs for the future well-being of all children. With numerous evidence revealing the benefits of early childhood development programs, minimal resources have been allocated by governments. There are very few comprehensive early childhood programs being implemented across the country. Early childhood programs are run at a small scale by well-wishers and donor organizations, limiting access for children to maximize their potential at an early age (Donahoo 5). With the increased interest in early education and its impact on future development, this paper review why early education is not only beneficial for children but also benefits the families. Early education is an important developmental process because children are fully engaged from an early age. Such engagements build the foundation for physical, emotional and cognitive development which fosters a healthy foundation for life (Whitebread 319). Although children start learning the basics at home, early education gives children the chance to apply what they have acquired practically. Children interact other individuals outside their family. Early childhood education not only offers young children a nurturing environment for interaction, it also facilitates early stimulation (Whitebread 321). For young children, every encounter is a learning opportunity, children learn by seeing; smelling tasting and even feeling .Children also learn through interaction, therefore, early childhood is the most important period for children to socialize. During the first five years, children learn adaptive skills, including how to handle complex situations they might encounter the future (Todd 3). Research studies suggest that the quality of early education offered to children provide a wide range of benefits to children, their families and the entire community. In a recent report released by children specialists, the report suggests that preschool children can acquire more knowledge when they interact with their peers, the report notes that children can learn by imitation more than instructions (Perry 6). These specialists also recommend the need for not focusing much on instructional activity, but on skill development (Perry 7). In general, early education is an interactive process where children learn social skills; hence, children learn to meaningfully engage with their peer and adults (Perry 5). The pre-school environment during the early years of learning provides children with vital skills, allowing them to not only acquire new knowledge but also develop numerous life skills like listening to others, expressing their own ideas, sharing and corporation and also make new friends (Perry 4). Research studies reveal that early education reduces the need for developing specialized instruction because early education helps children develop a strong foundation for emotional, mental, physical and social development as they prepare for their future life. Children also learn to work independently and develop important life skills that can help them cope in future. Children who engage in early learning are enthusiastic about life and learning in general, early education impart strong traits like confidence and curiosity, hence improve the general performance. Children learn how to manage and overcome challenging task, they also build resilience because of the increased interest in learning and exploring new thing like music, singing, construction among other life skills (Donahoo 4). In addition, many studies have proved that early education increases the rates of school retention and completion as many children with early education experiences are likely to enthusiastic about learning and school (Donahoo 2). The above reasons reveal the importance of promoting early education, unfortunately, these are some the issues that are not addressed effectively. Participating in early education programs have numerous benefits to children's cognitive development, including their retention rates in school (Perry 5).Despite these advantages of early education, enrollment within an early childhood education programs is still low. A cited by several authors, fiscal constraint has further limited the implementation of comprehensive early childhood education programs. Not many countries focus on ECD; the limited resources are channeled toward primary education and colleges. Even though school readiness is an important determinant of learning outcomes in primary school, resource allocation is one of the major hindrances in promoting early education programs. Children play important roles in every family, children are the future leaders, and therefore, much effort needs to promote their growth at an early age by improving children social development. This process involves teaching children values, skills and knowledge to help them relate to their peers, other family members and the community at large (Ernst 735). Children interact with parents, family members, and teachers and their peers. Children learn about the social world, including values and practice that are ideal for the society (Ernst 735). If nurtured, children can positively contribute to the family, school and the community as a whole. Family members are respon...