Childcare

Because so much brain development occurs before the age of 5, preschools are indispensable to the future of West Virginia. A program of high-quality early childhood education fosters the development of essential social, emotional, and cognitive skills. Young learners armed with these skills are much better prepared for kindergarten and beyond. Successful preschool programs improve language arts, literacy, and math skills. Preschools prepare young students to be life-long learners who attain higher academic achievement. In a high-quality preschool program, young students learn to share, cooperate, take turns, peacefully resolve conflicts, and manage emotions. Students with these social/emotional skills are much less likely to have behavioral problems in later school years setting them up for better future life outcomes. We should expect West Virginia to support early childhood education in whatever way is necessary for all of its youngest citizens.