EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: MORE THAN ABC’S AND 123’S? BY: WENDY K. ENFIELD

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: MORE THAN ABC’S AND 123’S? 1.What is Early Childhood Education? 2.Why is Early Childhood Education important? 3.What are the benefits of Early Childhood Education?

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: MORE THAN ABC’S AND 123’S? What is Early Childhood Education? Early childhood education consists of activities and/or experiences that are intended to effect developmental changes in children prior to their entry into elementary school. (Encyopedia of Children’s Health, 2002)

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: MORE THAN ABC’S AND 123’S? Why is Early Childhood Education important? School success largely depends on children’s ability to interact positively with their peers and adults. (J.P. Isenberg, 1999)

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: MORE THAN ABC’S AND 123’S? What are the benefits of Early Childhood Education? High-quality early childhood education has been linked to “better cognitive function and language development” for young children, in later years, it has been linked to higher rates of attendance at four-year colleges. (Ramey, 2006)

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: MORE THAN ABC’S AND 123’S? Early Childhood Education: More than ABC’s and 123’s? Exposes children to activities and experiences that effect developmental changes. Gives children the opportunity for varied social interactions Improves cognitive function and language development.