Early Childhood Education Programs

Name: Course: Professor: Date: Early Education Although primary education is recognized as a basic right, early childhood education is yet to be recognized as part of basic education. Early childhood education is a wide term used to describe the educational programs targeting children during their early years. Early childhood education programs consist of several activities designed to enhance children cognitive and their social development before they can be ready for school. Research studies have revealed that when children are enrolled in early learning, their social, physical and emotional development directly affects their overall development .That is why many stakeholders call for the need to invest in early childhood programs for the future well-being of all children. With numerous evidence revealing the benefits of early childhood development programs, minimal resources have been allocated by governments. There are very few comprehensive early childhood programs being implemented across the country. Early childhood programs are run at a small scale by well-wishers and donor organizations, limiting access for children to maximize their potential at an early age (Donahoo 5). With the increased interest in early education and its impact on future development, this paper review why early education is not only beneficial for children but also benefits the families. Early education is an important developmental process because children are fully engaged from an early age. Such engagements build the foundation for physical, emotional and cognitive development which fosters a healthy foundation for life (Whitebread 319). Although children start learning the basics at home, early education gives children the chance to apply what they have acquired practically. Children interact other individuals outside their family. Early childhood education not only offers young children a nurturing environment for interaction, it also facilitates early stimulation (Whitebread 321). For young children, every encounter is a learning opportunity, children learn by seeing; smelling tasting and even feeling .Children also learn through interaction, therefore, early childhood is the most important period for children to socialize. During the first five years, children learn adaptive skills, including how to handle complex situations they might encounter the future (Todd 3). Research studies suggest that the quality of early education offered to children provide a wide range of benefits to children, their families and the entire community. In a recent report released by children specialists, the report suggests that preschool children can acquire more knowledge when they interact with their peers, the report notes that children can learn by imitation more than instructions (Perry 6). These specialists also recommend the need for not focusing much on instructional activity, but on skill development (Perry 7). In general, early education is an interactive process where children learn social skills; hence, children learn to meaningfully engage with their peer and adults (Perry 5). The pre-school environment during the early years of learning provides children with vital skills, allowing them to not only acquire new knowledge but also develop numerous life sk...