The Value of Preschool

It’s back-to-school time all over the country. That’s true even for many of our youngest learners, children who are beginning pre-K programs or transitioning to full-day preschool.

Two articles this week highlight the value of early learning. James Burnett of The Boston Globe looks at how social and emotional development is the bedrock of learning for kids in preschool. And Laura Johnston of the Cleveland Plain Dealer writes about the power of learning through play for young children.

One preschool director in Boston was asked about the most important things her students learn. And she says, “It’s funny, people expect you to say things like learning letters and counting numbers. And those things are important, but what is most important is that the children are comfortable and that they learn as early and quickly as possible to get along with others. If they learn that, then the next stage is much, much easier.”