Children typically enter kindergarten between the ages of 4 and 6. Some children even enter kindergarten as little as three years old, but this is considered rare. Currently, only 14 states require children to attend kindergarten. This figure is astonishing considering the importances of early childhood education and the numerous benefits that have been shown to result from early childhood education. More states should make kindergarten mandatory. Regardless, it is imperative that parents are educated about the importance of early childhood education. This pertains not only to the importance of kindergarten, but also to pre-kindergarten years, which may include preschool, daycare, home life, and other educational opportunities.

At First 5 San Diego, we understand the importance of early childhood education and we understand that San Diego child development may be difficult without access to the proper resources. Getting a high quality childhood education in San Diego is made easier with First 5 San Diego. First 5 San Diego provides various programs and resources so your child can receive comprehensive beneficial education services. First 5 San Diego’s programs and partnerships help to ensure your child will transition smoothly from early childhood to kindergarten. Since early childhood education experiences, including childcare, preschool, and home education play a very important role in a child’s life, First 5 San Diego offers various programs and contracts with several organizations enabling parents and their children a positive, valuable childhood education in San Diego. School Readiness, Preschool for All, and San Diego CARES are three programs First 5 San Diego offers to help parents through the first five years of their child’s life. 

School Readiness is First 5 San Diego’s partnership with eight San Diego school districts to form the foundation of early childhood education in San Diego by helping children improve their physical, social, emotional and thinking skills. This program also encourages San Diego families to become involved their child’s education at an early stage.

Preschool for All stresses the importance of San Diego preschool for all children, particularly since studies have shown that children who attend preschool do better in kindergarten than children who did not attend preschool. The studies demonstrate that children who go to preschool often times learn better and behave better in a classroom environment. Essentially, preschool provides the basis for parents to jumpstart their child’s behavior patterns, and interactions and social abilities with other children.

San Diego CARES raises the quality of early childhood education in San Diego by supporting, encouraging, and funding preschool teachers, teaching assistants, and family childcare providers. While parents play a critical role in their child’s early childhood education, other people that interact with the child on a day-to-day basis play just as important of a role. The interactions your child will have with his or her teachers, other adults, assistants, babysitters, nannies, etc. shape and mold the way your child will develop, learn new things, express himself or herself, and more. First 5 San Diego takes pride in offering a program that helps childhood educators develop, build, and continually strengthen their skills by furthering their education to ensure they are ready, willing, able, and excellent at providing your child with his or her early childhood education.

For more information about First 5’s Learning programs, call 1-888-5 FIRST 5 (1-888-534-7785).