Psy 508 - Preschool Programs & Development

Destinee Solari

Beth McKenna

PSY 508

5 March 2016

Reflection: Preschool Programs & Development

Preschool and early childhood development programs have a long-standing positive impact on our communities and children. These programs offer extensive opportunities to not only the students, but the parents as well.

Research has shown that ECE and Preschool programs that children are enrolled in end up being more competent in verbal, physical and intellectual development and are more competent socially and emotionally amongst their peers, whereas children who are not exposed to these programs often score lower than children who are immersed in these early childhood programs.

ECE programs have been shown by research that students in these programs are more likely to have higher intelligent scores, higher rate of school completion, improved parent relationship, and many more benefits. With these programs in place, they are enriching our preschoolers by means of encouraging growth in areas that might not be focused on without the programs. However, each program is different and thus effects each child differently. A well-designed programs have been shown to have long-term positive results in areas such as higher test scores, and lower special education needs, for starters.

Studies have also shown that ECE programs have a greater influence on children in lower economic standing, however all children from every demographic have shown to benefit from ECE programs. Substantial research has shown that preschool education and ECE programs help children improve their learning and language development. However, not only are there long-term benefits of preschool programs, but also immediate effects such as developing as much as half of a standard deviation for cognitive development.