A good preschool education is important in today's world By Anita Stratos Getting a child on the path to a successful life starts sooner than you may think. Research conducted for more than two decades has proven that the first years of life are the most important, when children learn more than at any other time in their lives. Studies show that beginning a child's education at age 5 is already too late. Years ago, preschools were mostly viewed as a way to teach youngsters to socialize, and while socialization is definitely part of the overall importance of early education, it's only one piece of the pie. Introducing pre-kindergartners to numbers, letters and a variety of social skills gives them a lasting, firm advantage in life and prepares them for entry into elementary school. Children who are not given this opportunity have been shown to be at a definite disadvantage, lagging as much as a year and a half behind in language skills, and never completely catching up. The results of a good preschool education are evident as early as age 15. Studies indicate that of the teens who had the benefit of attending preschool, fewer than one-third were held back a grade, as opposed to half of those without preschooling. By age 21, those who were preschool educated were more than twice as likely to attend a four-year college. The comparisons continue into adulthood, as research has proven that preschooled children become more motivated adults with an increased desire to learn new things and the capacity to enjoy better health. On the other hand, those who received no preschooling were more likely to commit crimes and require public assistance. Kindergarten readiness is another important factor to consider. With an ever-increasing number of children entering kindergarten each year and many class sizes getting larger, it's nearly impossible for kindergarten teachers and schools in general to tend to every child's individual educational and socialization needs. In fact, one of the top national education goals in America is to ensure that all children attend a preschool program regardless of economic status, thereby enabling them to be more fully prepared to start school. Kindergarten teachers have reported that students who attended preschool are considerably more prepared than students who haven't. Preschoolers tend to excel in the developmental areas of social skills, language, literacy, creativity and initiative. Dedication to providing a safe, positive environment for preschoolers, low teacher-to-child ratios, and teachers trained in early childhood education are among the elements to look for in a preschool. In such a setting, as exemplified by the Goddard Schools, individual attention can be paid to each child's needs while promoting creativity and curiosity as well as fostering independence. The program is suited to meet the needs of the whole child, including emotional growth, social skills, verbal communication, intellectual awareness and physical capabilities. Working in smaller groups enables Goddard teachers to adjust their activities and levels of instruction to fit the developmental stage of each child, with an emphasis on fun. A close relationship between parents and teachers, based on daily reports and open communication, builds a foundation from which parents can better help their children navigate a positive course to and through elementary school - and life.