Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education

Abstract

Early childhood is the period of growth and development that children go through from the time they are in the womb until they are about eight years old. This is because the unborn child is affected by everything the mother experiences while she is pregnant and this often continues to affect the child's growth and development even after birth. The experiences children have and the care and stimulation they receive during early childhood lay the foundation for every aspect of their lives in the future including their health, nutrition, growth, learning, thinking and reasoning abilities, as well as their behaviour with other children and adults.

When children have a high quality early childhood environment they become educated, productive, well thinking individuals. As a result, the whole society benefits from better educated citizens, a more productive labour force and less crime and violence. Fewer persons will therefore need to depend on social services as more persons would have good jobs and earn better wages.

Early Childhood Education

Meanings of Early Childhood Education

Early childhood education (ECE) is the deliberate contribution of progressively suitable actions that spotlight on the development of kids ages zero to eight. Development can be termed as "an enhancement in abilities and skills." ECE identifies that kids have conventional phases of development, and they learn the most during active games, energetic activities, and by growing relations with their fellows and the grown-ups around them. Quality is obvious by the set of courses and atmosphere. Set of courses is rooted in a common awareness of classic progress at the different age phases, information concerning individual kids that has been achieved by evaluation, and acquaintance with the customs of the kids. Atmospheres are deliberately set up to support development. (Pianta et al, 2010)

The early stages and development of Early Childhood Education

Early childhood education in the U.S. commenced in the mid-1800s in a playschool that was held in a private home. The next movement of ECE in the United States is called Head Start, which commenced in the mid-1960s as a centralized program to offer services to children whose family were existing in poverty. as ECE is deemed to serve kids ages zero to eight, the expression is usually used these days to mention Pre-kindergarten (Pre-K) programs.

Pre-K is the initial proper learning setting that numerous kids will go to. Even as there are differences among the basis behind the beginning of Pre-K from state to state, the common accord is that it was applied to give practices that would make certain young kids were prepared to start playschool, therefore making sure their accomplishment in all prospect levels of school. (Vu et al, 2008)

Some states started Pre-K programs as early as 1980. Illinois' Pre-K programs began in 1985. As late as 2006, Pre-K was on hand in forty five states, although the strategies differ from state to state. Illinois provides 'Preschool for All,' and ranks 2nd in the nation regarding ECE contributions. An approximate 250,000 Illinois children go to preschool ...