The Positive Impact of Early Education

SAN DIEGO - Jan. 25, 2022 - PRLog -- Educators, administrators, specialists, economic development groups and researchers have focused for decades on the impact of early education in child development and the value of preschool education in San Diego.

In their recent article entitled, 'High Quality Early Child Care and Education: The Gift That Lasts A Lifetime (https://www.brookings.edu/blog/education-plus-development/2021/11/04/high-quality-early-child-care-and-education-the-gift-that-lasts-a-lifetime/),' authors Andres S. Bustamante, Eric Dearing, Henrik Daae Zachrisson, Deborah Lowe Vandell, and Kathy Hirsh-Pasek debated pros and cons of President Biden's 'Build Back Better' social infrastructure bill. This program, still being considered by the Senate, is offering a historic expansion of child care and universal preschool.

One passage states: "Early childhood programs that are sustained and high quality can have long-lasting impacts on children, preparing them for formal schooling and beyond with the added factor that early education paves the way for parents to be in the workforce."

That sentiment is echoed by an educator located here in San Diego.

"At our bilingual toddler, primary and Kindergarten Montessori Preschool, methodology and highly trained teachers combine to help our youngest students learn academically, socially and emotionally in English and Spanish," Kelly McFarland, M.Ed., Director of La Jolla Montessori School, says.

"Toddlers absorb learning like sponges. When that learning is accelerated through formalized sensorial, language, peer- and adult-oriented touchpoints, that child starts being curious about learning and life."

"We teach dozens of children aged 18 months to six years," McFarland said. "Although there are many options for teaching our youngest students—from faith-based preschools to at-home parental teaching to group facilities—the overriding strategy of early childhood education is the same."

"When we start teaching toddlers, they learn skills faster than if we wait until they are five years old. Going forward, STEM skills will drive our workforce and economy. So, the number of school years our children will need to be ready will increase, too. K-12 schooling will ultimately jump to Pre-K through Grade 14 to be competitive tomorrow. So, I support early childhood development," she said.

Whether a child attends a formal Montessori preschool or whether he or she is taught at home in an informal manner, the overall objective is still being addressed: the major impact of early education and preschool education in San Diego leads to huge gains in child development.

La Jolla Montessori School is located at 8745 La Jolla Scenic Drive North. Please visit https://lajollamontessorischool.com/ for more information.