Most children start kindergarten at age five or six, but in the year or two beforehand, there’s plenty of early childhood education opportunities. Many parents enroll their child in a pre-K program to help prepare them for elementary school. But if you’ve never experienced pre-K firsthand, you may have some misconceptions about it.  

3 Myths About Early Childhood Education 

1. It’s Too Early for Kids to Start Learning

It is essential for kids to play and have fun, both before kindergarten and through their elementary school years. However, playtime doesn’t have to be the only way kids spend their day. Early childhood education can be fun and, often, preschool programs incorporate games and creative activities into the curriculum. This is the best time for kids to absorb knowledge and pick up new skills, so it’s never too early to start. 

2. Kids Aren’t Emotionally Ready

Some opponents of early childhood education preschool programs argue that children aren’t emotionally mature enough for the classroom by age four. It’s true children mature at different rates, some more quickly than others. However, an excellent early education instructor knows how to evaluate children’s maturity levels and provide additional support to those who need it. Kids are

3. Preschool Programs Have No Structure

Early childhood education programs are highly structured and planned with set objectives and goals. Just like in an elementary school classroom, there are lesson plans and a curriculum. If you want to know what your child will be learning, ask the instructor and they will be happy to tell you. 

If you’re a St. Charles County parent of young children, consider enrolling them in an early childhood education program to give them a jump-start on life and learning. Great Beginnings in Saint Charles, MO, has two locations that offer a broad range of programs, including pre-K instruction and summer and after-school care. Call (636) 447-4212 for Cottleville or (636) 724-5048 for Saint Charles, or visit the website to learn more about the facilities and what they do.