Benefits of a High-Quality Preschool Program

An estimated five million children are in preschool programs, and the number is growing. According to the Families and Work Institute, children benefit from
quality programs with competent staff and good ratios. They suffer fewer
behavioral troubles, have larger expressive vocabularies, feel close to their
teachers, and enjoy more complex, less aggressive play with peers.

A high-quality preschool curriculum sets specific goals and uses learning and
developmental standards that are age-appropriate. The curriculum builds on each
child's interests and natural curiosity and also allows them the opportunity to
direct their own learning. Whole-class and small group activities as well as
opportunities for individual interactions with the teacher are encouraged.

Preschool benefits children, their families and their communities. Children in quality preschool programs show improvements in the development of social skills and are more proficient in areas such as following directions, waiting turns,
problem-solving, joining in activities and relating to teachers and parents.
These advanced skills improve efficiency in classroom settings which allow teachers to spend more time working directly with children and less time on classroom management.

Studies have shown children that have attended preschool are more likely to do better on standardized tests, graduate high school and earn higher wages as an adult than their peers who did not attend preschool. They are also less likely to
repeat a grade, to be arrested for a violent crime or to become teen parents.

At The Goddard School®, children are encouraged to explore learning
centers including art, math, science and computers; to ask questions; and to
take time making friends and socializing. The school focuses on building a
strong and balanced foundation for each child and encourages them to develop at
their own pace while supported by a team of dedicated teachers.

The Goddard School FLEX Learning Program™, based on the latest research in how
children learn and designed with the assistance of experts, provides the
optimal environment for the development of young children. The program's
foundation is the learning continuum that encompasses developmental guidelines
with formative assessments, child-focused lesson plans, a creative and fun
environment and a personalized child-centered approach that meets each child's
needs.