Education
online portals that encourage cross-collaboration, and support from
their teachers, peers and parents.
PRESCHOOL TRENDS IN EARLY
CHILDHOOD LEARNING
Early childhood learning has been studied by educators, lawmakers
and researchers for years to identify the importance of learning at
a young age. Research has confirmed that when educators provide
a valuable education to early learners, the benefits last a lifetime.
According to Educa, preschool stakeholders across the U.S. are
addressing the need for a standard in consistency and quality in early
education. States are taking a look at child care centers, daycares
and preschools to develop an accreditation program that ensures
quality in a number of areas including learning
environment, increased parent engagement,
teacher experience and quality center
management.
Along with quality standardization,
there are other trends to keep an eye on
for early learners:
•
Student Assessment –
The achievement gap is often used to
assess the output of students in different
socioeconomic groups, measuring grade point
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averages,
test scores
and dropout
rates. Since
preschoolers aren’t
likely dropping
out of school, early
learning centers focus
on the importance of
providing ongoing education
and supporting students from a young age. This includes reading
to children, engaging them in everyday conversations, establishing
routines and using positive reinforcement.
• Classroom Technology – Although use of technology in early
learning is still heavily debated, it is proving to be a valuable resource
to students who may not as easily have access to learning materials.
According to the Pew Research Center, 73 percent of households
have a computer with internet accessibility, providing a platform for
early learners to participate in effective online education from their
homes.
• ECSEL Skills – Teachers are encouraged to incorporate Emotional
Cognitive Social Early Learning (ECSEL) into lesson plans for
preschoolers. At a young age, emotions are the tool of choice for
children to express themselves. Encouraging early learners to be
confident and understanding at a young age provides an important
platform for growth into adolescence. ■