Fortunately, I feel that attitude has become less prevalent as more people recognize those early years as critical. Decades of research, including the landmark Perry Preschool Study, provide data on the long-term benefits of high-quality early education. These benefits include being more likely to graduate from high school, committing fewer crimes, holding a job, and gaining higher incomes.
One important area of early childhood education that is easily overlooked is the classroom itself. According to the Reggio Emelia approach, the environment is the “third teacher.” This idea refers to creating an early childhood environment that is purposeful and intentional, so it supports children’s learning as much as their parents and teachers do.