It seems like just yesterday that my oldest child was born. However, she’s about to become a three-year-old!
I’ve noticed that many children her age are beginning preschool programs. Some of these are very formal programs, while others are traditional childcare with a special focus on school readiness skills.
Does my child need preschool, too? In order to answer this question, I began reading about the purpose of preschool and its impacts.
Do children really need preschool?
Most preschool programs seek to give children the foundation they need to be successful in school. The things children learn in preschool include pre-reading skills (the alphabet, how to write their names, that there is a connection between letters and sounds, etc.), math skills (number recognition, counting, etc.), motor skills (cutting with scissors, drawing shapes, etc.), and social skills (sharing, following instructions, participating in group activities, etc.).
Researchers have long believed that preschool only benefits children from disadvantaged families (families living below the poverty line, children of parents who did not graduate high school, etc.). Preschool functions as an “equalizer,” ensuring that children from disadvantaged families receive a few hours of high-quality interaction with adults each day, helping to even the developmental playing field (source). In other words, children of educated parents living above the poverty line don’t need preschool because they have opportunities to learn the content taught in preschools at home.
Recently, though, reports from the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) suggest that all students, regardless of socioeconomic status, benefit from preschool. This group has found that many kindergarteners lack school readiness skills, but that those who attended preschool adapt more successfully to the school setting.
Other researchers have found similar outcomes. Even among middle- and high-income families, children who were in preschool enter kindergarten with better pre-reading and math skills than those in other kinds of care or at home with parents (source). At first glance, it sure seems like preschool is beneficial, but if we look closely at the research, we can see that the benefits of preschool don’t endure.
One federally funded study found that though preschool attendance is linked to better memory skills in third grade, these benefits shrink to insignificance in higher grades. Even when researchers single out high-quality preschools, the benefits still fade by the fifth grade (source). Some of the newest research available echoes the findings that preschool increases school readiness, but it also shows two alarming trends that haven’t been seen before. First, by the time children who attended preschool reach the first grade, their attitude towards school deteriorates. Second, by the time these children reach the second grade, they perform worse on tests that measure literacy, language, and math skills (source). The researchers stated that these children are losing their enthusiasm for learning because they have been subjected to the same insipid tasks year after year.
I was quite surprised to read that there is one impact of preschool that appears to last even as the academic impacts fade. This impact is a modest increase in behavior problems. Sixth graders who spent a lot of time in childcare centers (including preschools) act up a bit more than other children, though their behaviors are still within the normal range (source).
Given the research findings on preschool are so varied, what’s a parent to do? Come back next week and join me as we examine this question!
What do you think? Based on your knowledge and experience, do children really need preschool?
Shared at the following:
The Art of Homemaking, Friday Frivolity, and Coffee and Conversation.
Wow, these studies are interesting! I am of the belief that preschool really isn’t necessary; kids that young should really be focusing on play and exploration, so I guess I don’t see the point of sending them to a school setting for this. Though I do have some friends who put their kids in Waldorf or Montessori schools, which I think are good options when both parents work away from home. Also, I think that some preschools get too hung up on “school readiness”-I’ve spoken with elderly people at church who can’t believe the kinds of structured book-learning that society is trying to put preschoolers through, since “back in the day,” it wasn’t like that.
I, too, am surprised at the focus on structured learning. Play and exploration are crucial, and many of us do provide this at home.
I actually have two “opposing” opinions on this…both my own! On the one hand, my recent HS grad is pursuing an early childhood education major in college, so I have heard lots from her supporting the value of preschool over the last couple years as she’s already been studying ECE. There is so much going on in the preschool-aged brain; my daughter is VERY much in favor of “play as learning.” On the other hand, I freaked out about finding “the right” preschool for my second daughter when she was 3 and ending up keeping her home with me. We “hung out” for that year, and to this day, I cherish those moments. I believe for families who are not able for whatever reason to adequately support their preschool-aged child’s mental and social development, good preschool programs are a blessing. But if a child has someone who can stimulate them and engage them apart from preschool, that is not a lesser option. For the record, my daughter who only did one year of preschool is a straight-A student. And she socializes just fine, too. 😉
I think what you are saying actually echos the research, Elizabeth. Children need certain stimulation to foster their mental and social development. This can happen at home or at preschool; what is best varies from one family to the next. You also make a great point that kids who go to preschool and kids who stay home can both turn out okay. 🙂
No. Loving parents. Lots of hands on activities. Going places. Playing outside. Nature walks. Lots and lots of reading aloud and cuddle time. Enjoy your little one, and don’t let anyone pressure you.
Hugs,
Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage
Thanks, Laura. We do love reading aloud and cuddle time!
I’m a former preschool teacher. I quit teaching to become a stay at home mommy. I honestly believe now preschool is unnecessary. I think it’s more important that little ones spend time with their parents. Parents can do the same things with their preschoolers as they do in preschool.
Parents can:
Read to their children
Play with them with playdough they can make together
Provide picture books for their children
Do coloring pages with their children on a particular theme such as a color of the week or types of musical intruments.
Make homemade musical instruments
Sing songs from their childhood. Most are still popular today (Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, The Wheels On the Bus, etc)
Those are just a few ideas I came up with.
We do all these things, Regina!
Hi there! I appreciated this article a lot. I’m the mom of 3 and one on the way. My stepson went to preschool before I was in the picture so now that I have a 2 and four year old I’ve been considering seriously whether preschool is really the best route. And, truthfully, if preschool IS necessary, why don’t they try to make it more affordable?!
But, I decided against sending my 4 yr old to preschool because I feel like it wouldn’t do any more good than I can do at home. Kids are sponges & I don’t need to send mine off to soak up a bunch of unneeded habits and behaviors just because I want him to learn.
Indeed they are sponges, Quin! Good point about the habits and behaviors. I’m glad you’ve reached the decision that is best for your family!
My mother didn’t believe in preschool and I was taught at home until Kindergarten where I excelled and was pushed up a grade. Preschool can be beneficial for some children but it shouldn’t be made to feel like a requirement. I don’t think I would’ve flourished the same way if I had went to the preschool. There was a definite benefit in the one on one attention I got while learning at home. I will say my social skills suffered but whose to say I wouldn’t have developed social anxiety even with preschool. I intend to do the same for my daughter and teach her at home because I’m a SAHM. For parents who work full time preschool could be a huge help getting their children ready for traditional school though. Thanks bring in this conversation to #fridayfrivolity! XX
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Amethyst! I love the one-on-one aspect of teaching my girls around the house. I think you’re right that preschool can be a huge help for the kids of parents who work.