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Many Parents Underestimate Value of Early Education

By Robin McClure, About.com

Children Are Capable of Learning at Very Young Age

Early education child experts indicate that children are fully capable of learning at a very young age. Nurturing a youngster's enormous capacity for learning and understanding can help a child to be better prepared socially, emotionally and academically for school when introduced to a structured learning environment early on.

Despite significant research that attests to the value of early education, however, a study conducted by Nobel Learning Communities reveals that 70 percent of parents with preschoolers believe children should not be in a structured setting until age 2 or older, while an additional 26 percent believe age 4 or older is better. Further, nearly 65 percent of respondents believe that such skills as sharing, problem solving and conflict resolution cannot be taught until a child is 2 years old or older and more than 20 percent believe a child needs to be at least 4 years of age." This underestimation of the benefits of early education by parents is sometimes referenced as "The Great Divide".

Osborne Abbey, vice president of education for Nobel Learning Communities, said by offering children as young as six months an educational and nurturing environment, parents are allowing their children every chance to develop by design, rather than chance, skills necessary for success.

"While safe and loving environments are of utmost concern for parents looking for child care, it is equally important for children to be exposed to an appropriate learning environment during their formative years. The goal is to put in place the right skills--problem solving, conflict resolution, self-confidence and self-reliance--and to reinforce those skills as the children develop."

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