The most active time in terms of brain growth for all people is from birth until three years old. Early childhood education makes such a big difference because in early life, as many as 700 neural connections are formed each second. There is not one perfect age to start looking at and considering voluntary pre-kindergarten (VPK) programs. Here are some of the benefits to enrolling children in VPK programs.
- It is impossible to tell which children need VPK programs the most. Some children really need a head start on their early childhood education. There are a lot of factors that can determine which children can benefit the most from VPK and voluntary preschool programs. One main problem is that it can be just about impossible to tell in advance whether a child really needs the added help that is provided in these programs. What is clear, however, is that all children can get some benefit from attending toddler education programs. One part is the emphasis that is placed on learning through play. Children also can work on their socialization and interpersonal skills when they get to spend time with other children.
- VPK programs can get your child ready to learn. Part of being successful in any school program is being happy and excited about it. Getting started with a VPK program can get your family and your child off to the right start. By introducing children to a more formal academic program early on, you can get them excited about learning and about going to school. This positive attitude can go a long way when they enter kindergarten and later when they start elementary school. Going to a good VPK program can get them ready for the expectations that they will need to meet later on.
- VPK programs make better use of your child’s time. Most parents work today. It is estimated that only one third of all children have a parent who stays at home with them. This means that most children today are enrolled in some kind of day care center. You can enroll your child in a program where they are looked after or you can put them into a VPK program where they are taught something. The latter makes better use of this crucial time in a child’s development. The plans to teach children in these programs have been worked out by early childhood education experts and are designed to do the most for the children in the programs. The educational value is much better than what you may get with a day care center or private babysitter.
- Children get training on how to be great students. Getting started on learning how to the best student possible cannot start too early. Getting children used to behaving well in a classroom can make a big difference for everyone. They can learn that going to school can be fun but also how to best follow directions and listen to their teachers. Behaving properly in a classroom can take some getting used to. Starting your child on their learning career with a VPK program can get them started on the right foot.
- VPK programs can help with your child’s emotional and social development. The experience of playing and interacting with other children can go a long way towards helping your child’s emotional development and their skills for interacting with other kids of their same age. This is especially important for children who do not have siblings. There is simply no substitute for playing and interacting with other kids. VPK programs offer children a chance to do this in a controlled and monitored setting.
- These programs are great to teach kids vocabulary and language skills. Children in VPK programs are able to interact with other children in a way that helps them grow their vocabularies and develop their language skills. Between interacting with other children and working with the teachers and staff, these programs offer kids a ton of opportunities to work on their vocabulary and language development skills.
Kids who are enrolled in VPK programs are able to get a head start on their education. They are more ready to start kindergarten and these programs give them the chance to develop their social, emotional and language skills.
