Myths About Early Childhood Education

Over the past few years, the federal and state governments have been expanding access to high-quality early education preschool programs. Even though the arguments for investing in preschool programs across the nation are compelling, there are still critics out there that  believe early childhood education is not a critical component of academic success. These criticisms are often based on misconceptions about early childhood education, so our experts help debunk some common myths about the importance of preschool.

1. Preschool teachers are nothing more than babysitters.

This sentiment is most likely the biggest misconception we hear. Childcare is a profession and a very invaluable career that requires proper education and training experience. Many preschool educators have dedicated their lives to this profession and have poured their heart and soul into their classes or programs and their continued education. Extensive training courses, college degrees, and emotional & behavioral training are all critical components of a preschool teacher’s background.

2. The price of tuition is going directly into someone’s wallet.

This is simply not the case. The truth here is that tuition covers so many costs, not just payment to teachers and staff. Your child’s preschool tuition can cover the cost of supplies, food, furniture, curriculum, replacement, licensing fees, insurance, marketing costs, learning activities, dishes, paper products, safety supplies, office supplies, and more. When you make your monthly tuition payment, keep in mind that you are paying for an entire program, not just a teacher or childcare provider.

3. Preschool is way too expensive.

Many states across the nation have invested in early childhood education programs at little to no cost to residents. The goal is to make access to this critical learning environment available for citizens in all ranges of income. Here in the state of Florida, VPK programs are free for qualifying individuals. We have an award winning VPK program at Kids ‘R’ Kids Avalon Park and the full-day experience is invaluable to children who are getting ready to enroll in Kindergarten the following year.

4. Early childhood education is ineffective.

High-quality early childhood education models have shown that preschool can significantly increase a child’s math and reading scores while decreasing the need for special education, and in the end improving a child’s chance for later success. A look at a recent study shows that pre-k students gained between four and seven months’ progress in reading and math, and those gains persisted all the way through 3rd grade. The key is a quality program with highly qualified teachers and staff members.

5. Children should be able to play and not have a structured environment.

Some parents may be cautious to send their children to a preschool program because they want their children to have more time to just be kids. Many parents themselves were never in preschool or never enjoyed school in general. A good preschool environment will be balanced and should include play & exploration as anything that is high pressure in not conducive for early learning. Play is thoroughly recognized as a viable teaching tool with proper implementation in a preschool setting.  Learning during play takes a lot of planning on the part of the teach or educator but it does involve a lot of interaction and/or observation when it is taking place.  “Learning through play” does not grant the preschool teacher the ability to sit back and do nothing as students simply “play,” but is implemented in a way which encourages children to have fun while learning and experimenting with new concepts and theories.

If you have more questions on the benefits of a quality preschool program or how to enroll your child at our Avalon Park Preschool and Pre-K classes, contact us today. We are happy to help and look forward to helping expand the future of Orlando’s young children.