What and how a child learns from ages 3 to 5 can have a lifelong impact on the development of the brain. Some learning---especially language---occurs naturally and easily at this age. Impoverished experiences at this age will mean that some learning may never be possible, while learning experiences geared toward the development of social skills, language, literacy and numeracy maximize the growing child's potential.
A 3-year-old's brain is twice as active as an adult's brain, and pre-K children are like sponges, ready and eager to absorb math and language concepts. The greatest measurable effect of pre-K attendance is in the understanding of numbers and letters. According to "State Efforts to Evaluate the Effects of Prekindergarten, 1977-2003," children who attended pre-K perform better in elementary school math and literacy testing than those who did not attend.
Another benefit of pre-K attendance is the development of school readiness: knowing what school is about and how one is expected to behave. Pre-K children learn how to follow a teacher's instructions and to participate in classroom and playground activities. With parental support, they also develop the habit of prompt and regular school attendance.
The benefit of this learning is seen in later school success. Pre-K attendees have higher graduation rates from high school than non-attendees. "State Efforts to Evaluate the Effects of Prekindergarten, 1977-2003" showed that pre-K attendees are less likely to need to repeat a grade. They are also, according to the "Pre-K Now Fact Sheet," less likely to need special-education services.
Numerous studies show the importance of attending pre-K programs. Early learning has long-lasting effects, even into adulthood, as reported in the article, "The First Years Last Forever." Those who attend pre-K programs are less likely to be arrested for a violent crime in adolescence, according to "The Pre-K Fact Sheet." The Carolina Abecedarian Study showed that pre-K attendees had lower rates of teen pregnancy. The HighScope Perry Preschool Study found that, in adulthood, pre-K attendees had higher-than-average employment rates and drew higher-than-average pay.
Some states only offer public pre-K programs to at-risk children, and the benefits to such children are high. The HighScope Perry Preschool Study found that children from low-income homes flourish in pre-K. The video "What Children Learn in Pre-K" shows that children who are English language learners are shy, have delayed speech or have separation issues. Pre-K programs provide them with a safe environment in which to grow and develop.