Researchers turn to Preschool

Los Angeles Times writer Carla Rivera published an article on April 19, 2010 in regards to the benefits in the development of young children after attending preschool. Specifically highlighting Los Angeles Universal Preschool programs, where researchers “measured the readiness skills of 437 children at 24 preschools in the fall of 2008 and reassessed 364 of those children in spring 2009” (Rivera, 2010, http://www.latimes.com). Los Angeles Universal Preschool chief operating officer, Celia C. Ayala, mentions that the affects of children attending preschool has “little research” and support, which fascinated me, because at this age children are rapidly learning and growing each day (Rivera, 2010, http://www.latimes.com). I know from experience working at Kindercare and helping with my goddaughter who is four now and is attending preschool, that children at this age learn at an extreme rate and are excited to discover new things even as basic as knowing when to say please and thank you. The article describes that the “skills that were assessed included proficiency in using crayons, washing hands, controlling impulses, expressing needs, counting to 10 and recognizing letters of the alphabet as well as shapes and colors” (Rivera, 2010, http://www.latimes.com). These in addition to many other skills are taught at preschool such as nursery rhymes, motor skills, new words each day, and how to eat properly at the table. However, preschool is not all about learning and making discoveries, it should involve dramatic play, games, crafts, and social contexts for children to begin learning how to communicate. Through this study a reported increase of “46%” in the use of these behaviors by preschoolers occurred within a school year and a significant increase for English Language Learners was evident in the results too (Rivera, 2010, http://www.latimes.com). I really enjoyed reading this article, because I strongly support children attending preschool; however, preschools are all designed differently and I feel some can be too overbearing for a young child. I still have memories of my preschool days and feel that I was more prepared for attending Kindergarten as a result. In general, preschool is designed for learning, discovery, enjoyment, making friends, and preparation for future schooling. What do you all think about children attending preschool and at what age should they start?

This article can be found at: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0420-preschool-20100419,0,2289045.story