Better teachers, better preschool education – it matters  

Do you know the education level of your child’s preschool teacher?  Do you know that research shows it does make a difference in what your child learns in preparation for kindergarten? 

It is widely recognized that qualified teachers are an essential part of preschool programs that show improved outcomes for young children.  Children who are educated by teachers with both a bachelor’s degree and specialized training in child development have been found to be more sociable, have a more developed use of language, and perform at a higher level on cognitive tasks than children who are cared for by less-qualified adults (Bowman, Donovan, & Burns, 2001).  

According to Dr. W. Steven Barnett, PhD from National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER), “Research shows that teachers with college degrees and specialized early childhood training have more positive interactions with children and provide richer language experiences.”   Unfortunately despite the research results current education requirements for a preschool teacher in a state licensed facility only demands that the teacher/teacher assistant have a high school diploma. 

In a federal Head Start preschool program, the Department of Health and Human Services requires half of their head teachers hold bachelor’s degrees by 2013.  In recent federal documents it shows that as a national program, Head Start has surpassed that requirement of bachelor’s degrees and is now at 62%.  This is an impressive improvement that has increased from 50% since 2009. 

At Kids Learning Place, we believe this requirement to be a critical part of a young child’s education; in our current child care and education classrooms 92% of our head teachers have bachelor’s degrees or higher (includes 10% with masters degrees) and 96% of our teacher assistants have at least an associate degree or CDA (Child Development Credential).    

Are you also asking your child care center about the education curriculum your preschool uses - does it follow Ohio’s Early Learning and Development Standards?  Again this is an important part of an outstanding preschool.  Quality preschools help children find answers through exploration, experimentation, conversation and asking questions.  Kids in preschools discover that they are capable and can do things for themselves, from small tasks like pouring their own juice, to bigger issues like deciding how to spend their free time.  The preschool staff helps kids to ask wonderful questions and search for the answers through discovery. 

Kids Learning Place uses Creative Curriculum® with intentional planning for individual children as well as groups, we use the Project Approach for child discovery and also use the Conscious Discipline© approach for healthy emotional expression; these methods seem to be catalysts for growth.  Children move on to kindergarten well prepared for the next phase of the learning journey. 

As we move towards Fall, now is the time to make sure your child gains the knowledge to be ready to thrive as they grow towards school readiness, For more information or questions you may have about school readiness and early childhood education standards and programs call our main office at 937-778-5220 and talk with Liz Schoonover Early Childhood Director.  If you are interested in enrolling at Kids Learning Place call our local toll free number 1-866-627-4557. 

You can also check our website at www.kidslearningplace.org for information.  The Kids Learning Place Education and Care Centers in nine counties are operated by Council on Rural Services … programs for innovative learning.