Early Childhood Education

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Early childhood education is one of the most important policy topics out there. Research has proven that the early years in childhood is a critical period for opportunity to develop a child’s full potential; as well as form academic, social, and cognitive skills that determine not only success in school but also their entire life (The White House). The right to a free, public education is guaranteed to all children in the United States. Early education is voluntary, and therefore some children are not given the opportunity to reach their full potential. As a staffer of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, I believe that promoting and investing in effective and high quality education programs that are affordable is the most beneficial position on this topic. We stand by our mission on this issue and work to achieve a high-quality system of early childhood education (NAEYC). First of all, is the research behind how important and critical learning is in early stages of life, as well as how it reflects outcomes later down the road. Throughout childhood, developing communication skills and capacities for learning support other critical improvements. Even before children enter grade school, weak academic skills are found to be associated with behavioral and attention problems (The National Academic Press, 124). Educational outcomes in adolescence can be traced back to academic skills attained years later when entering school. (The National Academic Press, 125) It is clear that early involvement with learning and development is very beneficial and affects many aspects of life. It does not predetermine our lives, but rather sets the stage for healthy development. What is learned early in life establishes a set ... ... middle of paper ... ...pr. 2014. . "Early Learning." The White House. The White House, n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2014. . Olsen, Darcy. "Preschool Attendance by Young Children Is Unnecessary." Policy Report #201: Assessing Proposals for Preschool and Kindergarten: Essential Information for Parents, Taxpayers and Policymakers. Phoenix, AZ: Goldwater Institute, 2005. Rpt. in Family. Ed. Karen Miller. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2008. Opposing Viewpoints. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 21 Apr. 2014. Vygotsky, L.S. (1978). Mind in Society. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press

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