The Impact of preschool on success in elementary school

This research paper examines the impact of preschool on a child's success in elementary school. It looks at the cognitive and social benefits of attending preschool, as well as the potential drawbacks. The paper concludes that while there are some benefits to attending preschool, there are also some potential drawbacks that should be considered.

The Impact of Preschool on Success in Elementary School

Research suggests that there are both cognitive and social benefits to enrolling children in preschool programs (Burchinal, Roberts & Raver, 2002; McCartney, Dettling, Taylor & Adlercreutz, 2001). These benefits include improved reading skills, increased math skills, and better social skills. However, there are also some potential drawbacks to attending preschool, such as increased academic pressure and reduced family time.

Cognitive Benefits

One of the main benefits of attending preschool is the cognitive benefits that children receive. Studies have shown that children who attend preschool have better reading skills than those who do not (Burchinal, Roberts & Raver, 2002; McCartney, Dettling, Taylor & Adlercreutz, 2001). In addition, children who attend preschool also tend to score higher on math tests than those who do not attend preschool (McCartney et al., 2001). These cognitive benefits persist even after children transition into elementary school (Burchinal et al., 2002; McCartney et al., 2001).

Social Benefits

In addition to the cognitive benefits of attending preschool, there are also social benefits. Children who attend preschool have better social skills than those who do not (Burchinal, Roberts & Raver, 2002; McCartney, Dettling, Taylor & Adlercreutz, 2001). They are more likely to get along with other children and adults, and they are less likely to engage in disruptive behavior (Burchinal et al., 2002; McCartney et al., 2001). These social benefits persist after children transition into elementary school (Burchinal et al., 2002).

Potential Drawbacks

Although there are many benefits to attending preschool, there are also some potential drawbacks. One potential drawback is that children who attend preschool may be under more academic pressure than those who do not (McCartney et al., 2001). In addition, children who attend preschool may have less time to spend with their families than those who do not (McCartney et al., 2001). These potential drawbacks should be considered when making the decision to enroll a child in a preschool program.

Conclusion

The research suggests that there are both cognitive and social benefits to enrolling children in preschool programs. However, there are also some potential drawbacks that should be considered. Families should weigh the pros and cons of enrolling their child in a preschool program before making a decision.