Education
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 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. ■
Moon Township | Fall 2017 | icmags.com 33