A report from the University of Minnesota's Institute of Child Development found that children enrolled in a preschool program before the age of 3 received the highest benefits as adults. The benefits were most pronounced in children of a low socioeconomic class and males. The study found that children enrolled in a preschool program by the age of 3 were less likely to abuse drugs or be involved in criminal activities and were more likely to have health insurance as adults. They also had higher paying jobs than those who did not attend a preschool.
When children enter kindergarten, they will be with their peers for the entire school day. The preschool setting helps children learn to play and work with other children. If a child is with a nanny or a relative for day care prior to entering school, she might not be with other children much. Enrolling a child in preschool a year or two before kindergarten can help her learn basic social skills.
Many preschools have licensed teachers or child care providers with the children for the majority of the day. These teachers help teach preschoolers the structure they will need when they enter kindergarten. While a lot of the day will be structured play, this play is often set up in a way that will teach children important prekindergarten skills. Parents have to adhere to certain structures when they enroll their child in a preschool program, too. For instance, parents have to develop pick-up and drop-off procedures, and pay on time and regularly.
When children start school, they have a new set of adults to listen to besides their parents. Preschool helps them learn to listen to and trust other adults. It is likely that the preschool will have the same teacher or teachers work with the children for an academic year, so children will learn new rules quickly and how to follow them.
Many preschool teachers are trained in early childhood development, so they know what children need to know before they enter kindergarten. In addition, these teachers will be able to identify problem areas and help correct them before a child enters kindergarten.