Jul 14, 2022 01:11 PM EDT By David Thompson, UniversityHerald Reporter

Early learning has always been important, which is why you can find an early learning centre in nearly all neighbourhoods now, but new research suggests that it might be even more important than you think. This research shows that children who learn early in life are likely to have the skills and experience needed to succeed later on, even if they don't continue their education past high school or college. It all boils down to one thing: Early learning matters, and if you want your child to reach their full potential, you should make sure they get started on the right foot.

The Importance of Early Learning: Why It Matters More Than You Might Think

Preschool Prep in the Short Term

In recent years, government agencies and private industry alike have made a push for pre-K in America. A large part of these initiatives has to do with bridging an education gap in low-income areas. However, even for middle- and upper-class families, studies show that there are benefits to children attending preschool from a young age. These include things like social skills and leadership skills, as well as a better understanding of numbers and basic shapes. Attendance also increases later on in grade school. Research shows kids who don't attend preschool are less likely to finish high school than their peers who do; they're also more likely to end up behind bars or unemployed later on in life.

Tips for Finding a Great Preschool

Preschool isn't just for fun and games; it helps kids get off to a great start academically. Help your young one find a preschool program that meets his or her needs and makes sure he or she is comfortable with it before enrolling. A few tips for finding an ideal preschool program are to not wait until Kindergarten starts, your child might not be thinking about kindergarten yet, but you should be, and to make sure you take advantage of summer break by checking out local programs in your area, as many offer open houses and tours in June or July.

Benefits of Starting at Age 2

A child's brain develops at a rapid pace, and it continues to develop until they're in their mid-20s. So, why wait? There are plenty of great reasons to start teaching your child new things when they're just two or three years old. Here are a few benefits that you'll want to consider if you're thinking about starting early learning with your toddler. 

• The earlier you begin, the more quickly your child will learn. Every parent knows how fast children grow up-and how quickly those first few years go by. That's why it's so important to make sure you take advantage of every opportunity for growth and development during those crucial early years. If you start exposing your child to new concepts while they're still young, they'll be able to absorb information like a sponge as they grow older. By starting them on an early education program (or continuing one), they can learn faster than most kids-and even surpass other children who didn't get started as soon.

• Research shows that starting early helps boost IQ scores later on. According to research from Johns Hopkins University, students who participated in a preschool program scored higher on reading tests and had higher IQ scores later in life compared to students who did not participate in such programs. And another study found that students whose parents signed them up for preschool programs before age 3 performed better academically than those whose parents waited until after age 3. 

• Starting early gives you more time to build a relationship with your child. 

Important Statistics About Education

Your child's education will have a significant impact on his or her earning potential later in life. The longer a person remains in school, the more likely he or she is to earn a high wage. In fact, college graduates are twice as likely to earn over $100,000 per year than those with only a high school diploma. In addition to improving your child's earning potential, an early start on learning can also help him or her develop skills that will make him or her successful in other areas of life as well.

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