Pre-K Success Depends on Teachers

Preschool is something that most children in America attend. There are two or three day per week programs, and they are usually divided by age. Preschools can be something as simple as a babysitting service, or they can teach a child and encourage learning. According to an article on csmoniter.com, "critics of universal preschool have cited a study showing that pre-k not only fails to narrow the achievement gap between rich and poor children, but also hinders students' social development." However, the same study also revealed that children made cognitive gains across the board- perhaps suggesting those who attend preschool are better prepared for school. High quality preschool programs have an excellent influence on children, and also have begun to bridge the achievement gap. These programs can offer extra support to low income students, and teachers in these programs receive the training and support they should have to be allowed to teach children. Children, espeically in preschool, are very impressionable and soak up information like sponges. If teachers approach the school year appropriately and stimulate their students growth and development, great achievements can be made in that single year. Some students may not receive extra assistance at home, therefore teachers really carry the weight of that childs success. I do strongly believe that a child's preschool experience is heavily influenced by the teacher, and that one teacher has the ability to make or break the experience for the family.