Alexandrea Smith - Preschool Education-Nurturing Early Advantages for Lifelong Success

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1 Preschool Education: Nurturing Early Advantages for Lifelong Success Alexandrea Smith Sophia Learning English Comp II August 15, 2023

2 Preschool Education: Nurturing Early Advantages for Lifelong Success Preschool education has become a focal point in the pursuit of equitable and effective early childhood learning. Research highlights the advantages of high-quality preschool programs in bridging developmental gaps and preparing children for academic success. However, the sustainability of these benefits over time remains a subject of debate. This essay adopts a Rogerian argumentative approach to explore the complexities surrounding the advantages of preschool education, considering both its immediate impact and the challenges posed by the fade-out phenomenon. By seeking common ground, this essay aims to inform evidence-based policies that maximize the potential of preschool education in fostering positive long-term outcomes for all children. The Initial Advantages of Preschool Education High-quality preschool education undoubtedly provides children with an advantageous head start as they enter kindergarten. The research by Meloy (2019) emphasizes the significance of preschool programs in reducing developmental gaps and preparing children for academic success. Meloy highlights that access to high-quality pre-K education can yield substantial long- term benefits for children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This crucial foundation lays the groundwork for future academic achievements and sets the stage for lifelong learning (Meloy, 2019). Studies conducted by Ansari (2019) also affirm the positive impact of attending preschool on children's academic skills. The research consistently demonstrates that preschool attendees exhibit higher literacy and math skills upon entering kindergarten compared to their peers who did not attend preschool. The early exposure to structured learning environments fosters

3 cognitive development and equips children with vital executive functioning skills. These executive functions, such as working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control, play a pivotal role in shaping children's ability to succeed academically and in later stages of life. Moreover, the UNICEF report on pre-primary education underlines the critical role of early childhood education in shaping children's future success (UNICEF, 2019). It reveals the alarming number of children worldwide missing out on pre-primary education, emphasizing the urgent need to prioritize and expand preschool access. Early learning experiences, provided by high-quality preschool programs, have been shown to be instrumental in preparing children for the academic and social challenges of kindergarten and beyond. The Economist's report may seem contradictory, indicating that preschool attendance may not always guarantee positive outcomes for all children (The Economist, 2022). However, it is essential to approach this finding with nuance. The study conducted in Tennessee highlights the complexities of evaluating the impact of individual preschool programs on children's development. It may not necessarily negate the broader evidence supporting the value of high- quality preschool education. The Challenge – The Fade-out Phenomenon Despite the immediate benefits, research indicates that the preschool advantage may diminish over time, leading to what is commonly known as the "fade-out phenomenon." This phenomenon has been a subject of significant interest and concern among researchers and policymakers, as it raises questions about the sustained impact of preschool education on children's long-term academic and socioemotional development.

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4 Sparks (2021) illuminates the decline in preschool enrollment and its potential implications for the fade-out phenomenon. The article discusses the concerns raised by a recent study in Tennessee, where children who attended pre-k were found to score worse on various measures compared to their non-attending peers. However, it is crucial to consider that this outcome may not be attributed solely to the specific pre-k program but could reflect general improvements in early education practices across the state (The Economist, 2022). Such findings indicate that the context and overall improvements in early education may play a role in shaping children's outcomes, rather than solely relying on the effect of one individual program. The APA study (2020) delves deeper into the fade-out phenomenon, examining how non- attenders make substantial learning gains during kindergarten, eventually catching up to their preschool-attending peers. While preschool graduates initially demonstrate stronger academic and executive functioning skills upon entering kindergarten, their non-attending counterparts rapidly narrow the gap, leading to a decrease in the initial preschool advantage. This finding underscores the importance of evaluating the broader educational experiences children encounter throughout their kindergarten year and beyond. It is important to approach the fade-out phenomenon with a nuanced perspective. The fade-out effect does not imply that preschool education is ineffective or without value; rather, it calls for a deeper understanding of the factors contributing to the long-term outcomes of early childhood programs. Preschool attendance continues to provide children with essential foundational skills and a positive start to their educational journey. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the full impact of preschool education may be influenced by various factors, including the quality of subsequent educational experiences, family support, and socio-economic contexts (Ansari, 2019).

5 Seeking Common Ground – Comprehensive Interventions While proponents and skeptics may differ in their interpretations of the preschool advantage, both sides acknowledge the significance of early childhood education in shaping children's future success. To bridge the gap and find common ground, comprehensive interventions are essential to maximize the long-term benefits of preschool education. The UNICEF report (2019) emphasizes the critical importance of early childhood education in providing children with a strong educational foundation. With over 175 million children globally lacking access to pre-primary education, policymakers must prioritize efforts to expand access to high-quality preschool programs, especially for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The report underscores the potential of early childhood education in promoting crucial skills and fostering positive educational outcomes for children. Policymakers must recognize the importance of investing in early childhood education as a means of creating equitable opportunities and reducing disparities in educational attainment. Meloy (2019) highlights the significance of high-quality preschool programs in reducing developmental gaps and preparing children for academic success. Research shows that children who attend preschool consistently outperform their non-attending peers academically, exhibiting higher literacy and math skills upon entering kindergarten (Ansari, 2019). By investing in high- quality preschool education, policymakers can ensure that all children, regardless of their socio- economic backgrounds, have an equal opportunity to succeed in their educational journey. To sustain the benefits of preschool attendance, it is crucial to focus on program quality and continuous support. High-quality preschool programs are characterized by well-trained educators, evidence-based curricula, and enriching learning environments that stimulate

6 children's cognitive and socioemotional development (Meloy, 2019). By providing ongoing support to educators and schools, policymakers can maintain the effectiveness of preschool education and address any potential fade-out effects. Additionally, comprehensive interventions should extend beyond the preschool years to encompass children's experiences throughout their kindergarten and elementary school journey. As highlighted by Sparks (2021), children's classroom experiences in kindergarten are pivotal in shaping their academic progress and socioemotional development. Policymakers and educators must collaborate to create seamless transitions between preschool and kindergarten, ensuring that children's early learning gains are nurtured and built upon as they progress through their educational careers. Furthermore, a focus on continuous improvement and evaluation of early childhood programs is essential. By regularly assessing the effectiveness of preschool interventions, policymakers can identify areas for enhancement and tailor educational approaches to meet the unique needs of diverse communities (Meloy, 2019). Evidence-based practices and data-driven decision-making are critical in ensuring that preschool programs remain responsive to the evolving educational landscape and the changing needs of children and families. In seeking common ground, it is essential to recognize that the benefits of preschool education are not solely determined by attendance but are shaped by a multitude of factors that interact over time (Ansari, 2019). The effectiveness of early childhood programs depends on a combination of program quality, subsequent educational experiences, family support, and socio- economic contexts. By adopting a comprehensive approach that addresses these interconnected factors, policymakers can promote equitable and effective educational practices that yield positive long-term outcomes for all children.

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7 Addressing Disparities: Global Perspectives The UNICEF report (2019) provides a sobering reminder of the stark disparities in access to pre-primary education worldwide. With over 175 million children globally missing out on this essential educational foundation, addressing these disparities is paramount in promoting educational equity and breaking the cycle of poverty. Early childhood education has the potential to be a powerful equalizer, offering transformative opportunities for children's future success, especially for those from low-income families (Barshay, 2023). The UNICEF report illuminates the troubling reality that access to high-quality early childhood education is far from universal. In low-income countries, only 1 in 5 young children have the opportunity to attend pre-primary education (UNICEF, 2019). This inequitable distribution of educational opportunities perpetuates existing inequalities and limits the potential for socio-economic mobility. Without access to early learning programs, children from disadvantaged backgrounds face a significant disadvantage in developing essential cognitive, language, and socio-emotional skills critical for school readiness and future academic achievement (Meloy, 2019). Investing in early childhood education is an investment in the future of societies and economies. As Barshay (2023) highlights, high-quality universal pre-K programs can yield long- term benefits, including increased college enrollment and academic success. By providing children with a strong educational foundation in their formative years, early childhood education sets the stage for improved school readiness, reduced drop-out rates, and enhanced earning potential in adulthood (Meloy, 2019).

8 Addressing disparities in early childhood education requires a multi-pronged approach. Policymakers must prioritize the expansion and enhancement of high-quality pre-primary education programs, especially in underserved and marginalized communities (UNICEF, 2019). This includes investing in well-trained and qualified educators, culturally responsive curricula, and supportive learning environments that promote children's holistic development (Meloy, 2019). Furthermore, addressing disparities also requires considering the broader socio-economic factors that hinder access to early childhood education. Poverty, conflict, and maternal education levels significantly influence pre-primary attendance rates (UNICEF, 2019). To break down barriers to access, policymakers must adopt targeted strategies that provide additional support and resources to families in need, including financial assistance and community-based outreach programs (Barshay, 2023). Moreover, global collaboration and knowledge sharing are vital in addressing disparities in early childhood education. By learning from successful initiatives and best practices from different regions, countries can develop effective and context-specific solutions tailored to their unique challenges (UNICEF, 2019). International organizations, governments, and non-governmental organizations must work together to mobilize resources and expertise in expanding access to high-quality early childhood education for all children, regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds. Future Directions: Understanding Sustained Impact To fully comprehend the factors contributing to the fade-out phenomenon, future research must delve into children's experiences during the kindergarten year. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of these factors, educators and policymakers can develop targeted interventions that enhance the sustained impact of preschool education. This research must be inclusive and consider diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to create equitable learning environments.

9 Conclusion Overall, children who attend preschool do better later than those who do not. High- quality preschool education offers children a valuable head start, equipping them with essential academic and executive functioning skills as they enter kindergarten. Preschool attendees consistently outperform their non-attending peers academically, setting the stage for long-term educational benefits that persist through early adolescence and even into adulthood. However, the research also acknowledges the challenge of the fade-out phenomenon, where the initial advantages of preschool education may diminish over time as non-attenders catch up to their peers during kindergarten. While this phenomenon may raise questions, it does not negate the overall evidence supporting the benefits of preschool education in fostering cognitive development and promoting academic advancement. To seek common ground, comprehensive interventions are essential to maximize the long-term benefits of preschool education. Policymakers must prioritize high-quality preschool programs, focusing on program quality and continuous support to sustain the advantages gained through early childhood education. By investing in early childhood education, societies can equip children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, with the skills and confidence needed to succeed academically and in life

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10 Reflection Questions 1. Provide one example of a place where you have used rhetorical appeals or source material to support your argument. How does this enhance your essay? (2-3 sentences) In the essay, the use of statistics and data from reputable sources such as the National Institute for Early Education Research (Meloy, 2019) and UNICEF (2019) enhances the argument by providing concrete evidence to support the claim that high-quality preschool education yields long-term benefits for children. The statistics and data help to establish the credibility of the argument and strengthen the persuasive impact on the audience. 2. Touchstone 4 is a revision of this draft. What kind of feedback would be helpful for you as you revise? Are there parts of your draft that you’re uncertain of? (3-4 sentences) For Touchstone 4, feedback that would be helpful includes a thorough review of the organization and flow of the essay, ensuring that each section builds upon the previous one coherently. Additionally, feedback on the strength of the thesis statement and how effectively it is presented throughout the essay would be beneficial. It would also be helpful to receive input on the clarity and effectiveness of the language used, as well as any areas where more specific examples or evidence could be added to further support the argument.

11 References 175 million children are not enrolled in pre-primary education – UNICEF . (2019). UNICEF. https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/175-million-children-are-not-enrolled- pre-primary-education-unicef The American Psychological Association (APA). (2020, October 5). How long does the preschool advantage last? https://www.apa.org. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2020/10/preschool- advantage Ansaria, A. (2019). The Persistence of Preschool Effects from Early Childhood Through Adolescence. Journal of Educational Psychology , 110 (7), 952- 973. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000255.supp Barshay, J. (2023, February 6). Proof Points: Long-term college benefits from high-quality universal pre-K for all . The Hechinger Report. https://hechingerreport.org/proof-points- long-term-college-benefits-from-high-quality-universal-pre-k-for-all/ The Economist. (2022, February 3). A new study finds preschool can be detrimental to children . https://www.economist.com/united-states/2022/02/03/a-new-study-finds- preschool-can-be-detrimental-to-children Meloy, B. (2019, February 21). Research shows high-quality Pre-K can pay off, now let’s deliver it . National Institute for Early Education Research. https://nieer.org/2019/01/31/research- shows-high-quality-pre-k-pays-off-now-lets-deliver-it

12 Sparks, S. D. (2021, October 26). Preschool enrollment has plunged: What that means for school readiness . Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/preschool- enrollment-has-plunged-what-that-means-for-school-readiness/2021/10

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Alexandrea Smith - Preschool Education-Nurturing Early Advantages for Lifelong Success

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