There’s a reason children are taught to play with blocks — the little wooden toys can teach them volumes about the foundations of soon-to-be-great structures. In the same way, this is precisely why a foundation in early childhood education is so important for young kiddos. With a strong base of skills and knowledge, the groundwork is laid for their success, not only in academics but in social interactions, personal aspirations, and life challenges of all kinds.

In this article, we’ll define and discuss what early childhood education is, what kinds of professionals work in the industry, and the benefits of enrolling your child or children in an early learning center.

For more immediate information about early childhood education and how it can enhance the foundation of your young one’s knowledge and intellectuality, please get in touch with Jaycees Early Learning Center by visiting our website or giving us a call. 

What is Early Childhood Education?

Early childhood education is the highly important formative period of neurological development and schooling from the period of birth until the age of 8 or the second or third-grade level.

Who Works in Early Childhood Education?

Early childhood education specialists can come from a variety of different backgrounds depending on the specific age groups they work with and the credentials required for their position. For example, those with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education may work as a preschool teacher, whereas those with a master’s in the same subject could work as the principal of the entire school. 

A degree isn’t always necessary to work in early childhood education, but at least some formal training or certification is ideal. At Jaycees Early Learning Center, for instance, our daycare faculty and caretakers need a minimum educational background of a high school diploma, as well as certified training in health and first aid, child protection, and fire safety.

What Are The Advantages of Early Childhood Education?

Numerous scientific and peer-reviewed studies have already demonstrated the profound importance of early childhood education, but if you’re still not persuaded by those statistics, consider the following: children who engage in early learning and daycare developmental programs tend to graduate from college, and afterwards, they have higher income levels and professional success well into adulthood. In addition to this, children who participate in early childhood education are much less likely to have issues with substance abuse or to get in trouble with the law. 

The reason for this sounds simple, but its importance cannot be overstated: the experiences during the early, formative years of childhood are one of the biggest contributors to building a strong foundation in creative, social, academic, and even financial skills. Learning can never start too early, which is why we believe in a holistic approach to education and psycho-social development here at Jaycees, whether the child is still in diapers or well into elementary school. 

The reason that early childhood education is so impactful has to do with its balanced approach between formal learning and informal playtime. Children need to develop practical skills that will serve them well later in life, like reading and arithmetical abilities, but they also need the freedom to explore and express themselves in whatever way gives them the greatest sense of achievement. 

At Jaycees Early Learning Center in Fort Washington, we are committed to helping each and every child find that passion and purpose, and we want to help them cultivate it too. For more information on how our childcare and early education experts can provide your child with the tools for an amazing life, please visit our website or simply give us a call today!