The care of and formal training of a young child by other individuals other than family members or in settings located outside of their home is referred to as early childhood education. It is usually defined or described as that period in their lives that occurs before the normal schooling age. In most countries, it is defined as the time when the child has reached the age of 5. However, the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children defines “early childhood as prior to 8 years of age.

During the early years of a child’s life, there needs are considerably different compared to older, school-aged children. This is due primarily to the fact that the early childhood years witness the most significant amount of development and growth and when the brain is rapidly developing as well. It is that period in their lives when moral foundations, self-esteem, talking, visions of the world, and walking, are established.

Additionally, these early years are also critical to intelligence, personality, and social behavior development. Brain development research studies have revealed the importance of critical mental, physical and social capabilities. If these specific fundamental abilities are not established well from the start of their development, and should there be any neurological damage, the learning potential of the child could be affected adversely. It follows then that early childhood has its own specific issues and practices to deal with. Read the rest of this entry »