Early childhood education, A good investment

Preschool education plays an essential role in early childhood development, both socially and academically, and it prepares children for kindergarten. 

Springfield School District offers Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) through its Community Education program, Pre-School Classes for children 3, 4 and 5 years of age, Kindergarten Camp, and Early Childhood Screening to ensure school readiness.

“We are excited about what is happening in the early childhood programs in Springfield,” said elementary principal Jeff Kuehn, during a recent interview.

“Early childhood education is the best investment that a district and community can make,” said Principal Kuehn. “From a financial standpoint, we can save thousands of dollars by putting effort into early intervention versus trying to fix problems years later.  We can also eliminate some of the anxiety and stress that students and families face as learning becomes more challenging.  An early fix is the best way to go.”

The Tiger Cubs Preschool Program is a new program this year.  Fifty-four children are enrolled in Tiger Cubs Preschool — 32 children, ages 4 and 5, are enrolled in four sections and attend half-day sessions Monday thru Thursday; and 22 three-year-olds are enrolled in two sections that meet in half-day sessions on Fridays.  The complete story can be found in this week's Advance-Press