How Preschool Gives Kids a Lifelong Advantage

Preschool prepares children for kindergarten and the world beyond. Over time, it gives them a lifelong advantage, providing literacy and social skills that will help them succeed. For three and four year olds, this is a better choice than daycare centers which do not have a structured curriculum or educational programs. As the benefits of preschool become better known, parents are looking for a good preschool for their kids, to give them the best start in life.

The benefits of preschool
As the advantages of preschool are seen in the new generation, more and more parents are concerned about finding a good preschool for their kids. This is seen in the rising enrollments. Over the years, the number of 3- and 4-year-olds in pre-kindergarten programs has been increasing.
In 1990, just about a third of all 3-year-olds, or 33%, and just over half of all 4-year-olds, or 56%, were enrolled in prekindergarten programs. By 2012, the percentages had increased to 41 and 66% respectively. Over time, it has become clear to parents and educators that preschools give children many advantages that prepare them for kindergarten and beyond.

The preschool advantage
Preschools are different from daycare centers, which don?t have a structured curriculum. Preschools have a curriculum that introduces children to literacy skills, including the alphabet and numbers. In preschool, children also learn how to interact and play with other children, learning valuable social skills that they will use for the rest of their lives.
It?s all fun and educational at the same time. Kids have the chance to develop their creative side with music, singing and art. There?s also time for games and exercise, as well as healthy meals and snacks. Healthy habits like exercise and balanced meals are inculcated at an early age. Many preschools also offer summer classes and summer camp, with a whole range of new activities for children to learn.

Choosing the best preschool
The best preschools offer a structured curriculum as well as play and creative activities like music and art. Summer camp is important for a number of reasons. First, it ensures that the year-round educational activities will not be interrupted. It gives children the chance to continue learning while having fun.
This is why over 11 million people, including children and adults, attend summer camp every year in the U.S. The American Camp Association (ACA) has found that 63% of children will continue to be interested in the new activities they learn at camp, even after they return.

Preschool offers a number of advantages for children and parents. It prepares children for kindergarten and beyond, giving them skills they will use all their lives. Research shows that children who attend preschool are more successful throughout their lives than those who did not participate in a prekindergarten program. Good preschools provide a structured curriculum, introduce children to a healthy lifestyle, and offer summer camp to continue the learning and the fun.