Early Childhood Education

Transcription

1 Early Childhood Education It s where imaginations take flight This photograph and the slogan belong to Los Angeles Universal Preschool.

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3 Fundacion Azteca America Fundación Azteca America is a non-profit organization established by Ricardo B. Salinas (www. ricardosalinas.com), President of Grupo Salinas ( as an initiative of his commitment to promote education, health, and human rights. The aim of the foundation is to promote the well-being of Hispanic communities in the United States. We do this providing them with useful information, with Azteca US television network support, and by working with other non-profit organizations. The goal of this brochure is to give you information about the benefits of early childhood education. In order to help you decide to give your child better opportunities, here are some tips about what to look for in a preschool. Remember, your child s education is important, let him/her start now!

4 What is Early Childhood Education? Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs (family child care, preschools, daycare, etc.) provide early care and education services to children between the ages of 0-5. Qualified ECE professionals help children develop cognitive and social skills which contribute to their intellectual and emotional well-being. Why does Early Childhood Education matter? Up to 90 percent of the human brain develops before the age of five. According to the study of the National Institute of Early Education Research, children who attend preschool have between 30 and 40% more vocabulary and math skills than the ones who do not attend. Children that attend a quality preschool have a higher probability of: Graduating high school and college Having a better job Earning a higher wage Staying away from crime

5 What should you look for in a school? In order for your child to have a good experience, you should make sure of choosing a good preschool. Before enrolling him/her, look for: Small groups (8-10 students per teacher) Professional teachers who have experience working with children Schools that have teachers with bachelor s degrees in early childhood education Enough educators so that your child is always properly taken care of Good lighting and ventilation in the classrooms Outdoor spaces

6 Get involved! It is very important that you encourage your child to go to school, and that you remain informed about his/her progress: Speak positively about school Encourage him/her to learn Take him/her to school on time every day Talk to the teachers frequently Ask which areas your child needs to improve and how you can help him/her at home Participate on the activities the school offers for parents Ask your child how was his/her day at school and what he/she learned

7 Activities you can do at home Parents are role models for their children. Be a good example to help him/her create healthy habits: Make sure he/she has enough sleep (12-14 hours per night). Create a routine when he/she wakes up and goes to bed Involve him/her in home tasks: from making his/her bed to feeding the pet Limit TV time and videogames Children need to reaffirm what they learn in the classroom. You can help yours at home by making fun activities with him/her, for example: Solving puzzles Painting Singing Reading

8 Learning goes beyond schooling! It is important that you complement your child s education with a balanced diet and exercise. Nutrition: Make sure your child eats fruits and vegetables Avoid sugar, candy, soda or fruit drinks Prepare healthy snacks like carrot sticks and fruit slices Watch portion size, use small plates for your child Prepare healthy meals at home and avoid fast food

9 Physical activity: Give your child toys that encourage physical activity like balls, kites, and jump ropes Encourage your child to join a sports team and to try different physical activities Take the stairs instead of the elevator Find time to spend together doing a fun activity: riding a bike, playing soccer or walking in the park

10 More information For more information about preschool and other early care and education information, you can check out the following links: For more information about early childhood education you can check out the following links: LAUP: Federal Preschool Program Head Start: Educare Schools: Preschool NSW: HighScope Perry Preschool Project:

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