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Readers Forum: Evidence supports education program for 3-year-olds |
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Readers Forum: Evidence supports education program for 3-year-olds
By JANET JOLLY MCKENZIE
4/8/2007
Gov. Brad Henry recently announced his commitment to piloting a
voluntary preschool program for 3-year-olds. He understands that the key
to the state's success is creating strong students from the beginning so
children have the ability to graduate from high school, college and
technology schools ready to be responsible members of society.
This was thrilling news for so many who work with children and families
as they struggle to make education a successful experience.
The theory of starting education earlier is based on research and
supported by business and faith-based leaders, educators and
philanthropists. The evidence is clear. Failure in the early years leads
to failures throughout life. Early success spurs further success. Still,
for a variety of reasons, much of society remains unconvinced of the
need to make early care and education a high priority.
Whether people believe that the state should provide quality experiences
for children probably depends on life experiences. If someone has worked
with children and communities that struggle with poverty's effects, he
or she knows the astronomical and long-lasting effect it has on
children's abilities to reach their full potential. Everyone is familiar
with families unable to provide one book, stimulating language,
appropriate toys, crayons, building blocks or a safe place to play
outside. They yearn for those children to be surrounded by things that
can enrich their lives.
Anyone blessed with a financially secure and stable life is familiar
with a young child's ideal environment rich in language, predictable and
safe, full of books, educational toys, library trips and other exciting
places. Because of this it may be difficult to understand some
children's need for quality early-childhood experiences outside of the
home before kindergarten.
Some argue that the best place for young children is at home with their
mothers. That could be the case. The reality, however, is that more than
half of Oklahoma's children under 6 live in low-income families. Mothers
work for the families' survival. About one child in four under age 6 is
being raised by a single parent and one child in four children is born
to a mother without a high school diploma. For those families, staying
at home with their children is a luxury they cannot imagine!
A similar discussion occurred in 1998 when the idea of a program for
4-year-olds was introduced. Even though it's a voluntary program, more
than 70 percent of the state's 4-year-olds participate today. Results
have been astounding. Prior to this program, kindergarten teachers in
high-challenge schools greeted unprepared students. Many arrived with
few skills that would predict successful school careers.
Now far fewer students come without important early experiences.
However, we now know four years is a long time in a child's life to be
without the necessary stimulation to make the connections in the brain
as the basis for future learning. The time for the most effective
teaching and learning -- the time we can make the most positive impact
for the least cost -- is before age 4.
As more 4-year-olds have started school, we have engaged an unsuspecting
group of adults -- their parents. Seeing the opportunities for their
children's success, they're becoming involved in schools and staying
involved. They're seeking services to become better parents. As their
confidence builds they're becoming leaders in communities. The word is
spreading among young parents about the importance of early education.
We're not just educating 4-year-olds but families and communities.
Morally, it's our responsibility. Economically, it's definitely to our
advantage. We can cover both because that is what should be done. Let's
insist that all children have the opportunities necessary to succeed in
life -- because that's what a responsible society does.
Janet Jolly McKenzie is a national board certified teacher in the early
childhood special education program at Kendall-Whittier Elementary. She
is also on the board of Smart Start Oklahoma.
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