Early childhood education lays the framework for a child’s future academic success. Children develop numerous habits and patterns at an early age that may inform future development, academic performance, and health. Consequently, regular preschool attendance is essential for becoming successful life-long learners. Attendance not only helps children acquire healthy habits, but it may also help minimize academic obstacles later in life.
According to the Learning First Alliance, one in every ten kindergarten and first-grade students in the United States misses a month of school each year. It has become critical to develop a pattern of regular attendance and a routine for children at a young age. Keep reading to know more about how preschool attendance is correlated with academic success.
1. Builds Strong Foundational Skills
When a child is absent, they frequently miss the foundational skills required to master the next levels of education. It might take days, if not weeks, to teach the child the necessary skills and catch up. Children who miss preschool or kindergarten on a regular basis might not learn basic skills and that can affect their academic performance in the future.
2. Instills School Readiness
Preschool prepares children to enter the later levels of school. It is a period in which children are introduced to social, emotional, cognitive, and language skills that will enable them to succeed in school. According to research, children who attended preschool were more likely to begin school with better reading, language, and arithmetic abilities compared to those who didn’t.
3. Builds Learning Habits
Compared to kindergarten students with average absences, chronically absent kindergarteners gained 14% fewer literacy skills. Hence, attendance at preschool can be consistently linked to academic and literacy success. When kids are introduced to a learning routine at a young age, it can stay with them for the rest of their lives.
4. Improves Self-esteem
Children who attend preschool regularly and arrive on time are more likely to feel good about themselves. This is because they are more aware of what is going on and what to expect. They can feel at ease among adults and other children and have more chances to be praised for their significant contribution.
5. Develops Socio-emotional Growth
Preschoolers participate in various activities with other children and adults and develop language skills to express their feelings and thoughts. Preschool lays the groundwork for a child’s social and emotional development by teaching them many mindful behaviors. It is a place where children develop their initial character and attitudes.
A consistent attendance pattern aids children’s success and forms part of the learning foundation that will last a lifetime. Building this habit from an early age is critical for the child’s future academic success. They might just be missing out on a lot of learning and fun if they do not attend preschool.
If you want to learn more about child care, International Institute of Los Angeles is here to help. You can make use of our various resources available to understand parenting better. For more information, call us at 323-224-3800 or contact us online.
