| Even before kindergarten, parents should be | | | | with the growing number of families with one |
| aware of ways to make the most of learning | | | | parent, and families where both parents work |
| opportunities for their young children. One | | | | full-time. |
| important choice for many families in their child's | | | | The National Association for the Education of |
| early years involves preschool or child care. | | | | Young Children (NAEYC) has approved new Early |
| The first years of a child's life are a crucial | | | | Childhood Program Standards that outline what |
| development period, and children who are | | | | NAEYC believes every child care, preschool and |
| nurtured and stimulated during these years are | | | | other early childhood education programs should |
| much more prepared for formal reading and math | | | | provide to nurture the learning and development |
| and are more likely to have the social skills they | | | | of young children. These standards can be used |
| will need when it's time for kindergarten. Parents | | | | as a guideline by parents to determine the quality |
| are a child's first teachers, but early childhood | | | | of a preschool or child care program. |
| education programs are also important, especially | | | | |