Early childhood programs could have benefits later

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Transitioning children into kindergarten and into making their own choices are among the goals of early childhood education programs, which also promote greater parental involvement, increased social skills, ability to focus and creativity.

Angie Bax, an early childhood education coordinator and teacher at Firley YMCA, has been teaching toddlers for more than 16 years at various locations around Jefferson City.

The programs are designed for newborns up to school-aged children, said Bax, who now teaches 3-year-olds.

"The advantage to programs like these are the social skills and the transition between activities," said Bax.

When children are interacting with one another in the classroom, they begin to make choices for themselves. What group they would like to join or what materials they prefer to complete a task are some of the decisions they can challenge themselves with daily. Bax has four sons and all have been in similar programs.

"If kids can get the social skills down, school will be easy for them," she said.

Children learn basic school procedures like safety drills as well as how to respect themselves and each other. The difference can be seen in children who are not exposed to that particular environment, and Bax has seen her share.

"There is a toddler who has stayed home for three years," she said. "He has been here three weeks and we are starting to see the changes."

At first, the boy (who is an only child) did not have the confidence to enter into a group of children playing. Now, he is more comfortable talking about his personal life and does not cry when his parents leave.

Aside from the very important social skills they can develop, basic motor skills can also be learned by mere observation.

Raising a hand when wanting to speak or forming a single-file line are simple yet important things children learn in these programs.

"Large motor games like tag and Red Rover can also help a child with their balance and eye development," Bax said.

Bax also knows what it is like to stay home with her children, but acknowledges that is not always the best alternative.

The parent is also tending to personal and family matters while trying to take care of a child. Parents can sometimes think they are spending plenty of their day with the child, but in reality the child is just there.

"Early childhood education programs are just for the kids," she said, "we cater to them to succeed in school."