North Carolina once ranked first in the nation in pre-kindergarten quality, but recently it’s ranking has fallen to 27th out 44 states ranked due to a number of significant challenges. Such Challenges include inconsistent state funding, as many NC counties do not offer pre-kindergarten programs, as many NC Counties find it challenging to find Quality Teachers, support transportation costs or find classroom space to support such programs. A 15-year study done by Duke University found that participation in North Carolina’s Pre-K Program, resulted in improved math and reading scores, reduced placement in Special Education, and reduced the probability of repeating grades, at least through the eighth grade. And with us knowing this, North Carolina needs to make the investments to ensure that every child in NC has access to high quality early childhood education. Minimal progress has been made on teacher recruitment and salaries, social and emotional learning supports, and afterschool programs, and expanded learning.
In terms of Human Development, the importance of early childhood education can’t be overstated. A child’s early years are his foundation for his or her future development, providing a strong base for lifelong learning and learning abilities, including cognitive and social development. Early Childcare Education continues to emphasize the importance of it being an essential building block when trying to determine a child’s future success.
Brain Development is most rapid in the early stages of a child’s life. When the quality of stimulation, support and nurture is lacking, there can be detrimental effects on overall development. Learning delays can be greatly reduced with the help of early intervention. At the beginning stages of Kindergarten early academics, children who did not participate in an Early Childhood Education program lag behind their peers who have attended an ECE program.
Children who are enrolled in an Early Childhood Education program achieve more success at school. As adults they have better career opportunities, improved health, and lower levels of dependence and crime rates than those who do not attend an early education program.
Efforts to improve early child development are an investment, not a cost. Investing in ECE helps promote economic growth while also helping to target the development of character and cognitive skills necessary for future success.
The experiences children have early in life play a crucial role in the development of the brain. Exposure to positive factors, especially stable and responsive relationships with parents and other adults, and safe and supportive environments promote positive development.