Searching for a childcare facility can be stressful and scary for many parents. Who can take of your child better than you? Will your little one continue to learn and meet milestones while under someone else’s care?

To help your family on your search for an exceptional early childhood education program, we asked Geania B. Dickey a few questions. As a Program Coordinator for Arkansas State University Childhood Services, Dickey works with leaders in children’s programs. “For more than 40 years, A-State CHS has been providing training and on-site support for early childhood and after-school programs throughout Arkansas,” Dickey says of the outreach program.

Here, she explains why an early childhood education is essential and what parents can look for when choosing a program. Then, on the following links, learn more about some of the excellent programs in Arkansas.

LRF: Why are you so passionate about early childhood education?

Geania B. Dickey: I started out as a 5th grade teacher 27 years ago. There, I met children who had already lost the love of learning. They were only 10 years old, and I wondered where things had gone wrong.

About a year after my first son was born, I realized how amazing young children are. They come into this world as little scientists, investigating and finding joy in the world around them. Too often, however, that love of exploration and learning is squelched by grown-ups. Well-meaning adults sometimes spend too much time telling children not to touch, when they should provide a safe environment and explore with the children.

What is “early childhood education?”

Younger children—infants through age eight, or birth through 3rd grade—process information and learn in different ways than older children. That’s why early childhood education often doesn’t look like school! Children learn best through play activities; however, play doesn’t simply mean silliness and fun. In purposeful play, children learn to make choices, solve problems, and collaborate with others. Children explore the world around them as they learn about themselves and other people. Early childhood education teachers play a key role and carefully plan experiences that will extend the child’s learning bit by bit.

Why is it so important to find a good program and what are some of the long-term benefits?

There is evidence that more than half the achievement gap found in later school years is already present when children enter kindergarten. This disproportionately affects children living in poverty. At-risk kids can begin kindergarten 18-36 months behind their peers. So, we really need to be concerned about the quality that is available to all children. When all kids are prepared, the kindergarten teachers can be more effective and the whole class can learn more quickly. The return on investment from early childhood development is extraordinary, resulting in better working public schools, more educated workers and less crime.

What are some signs of a quality early childhood education program?

The most important part of the program is the adults: Do they interact with the children? Is there a lot of two-way conversation? In groups with non-verbal children, the adults should talk to the baby as they move them from one activity to the next. You should hear things like, “Samantha, I am going change your diaper after I finishing helping Samuel.” Another important question that a parent can ask is “what is the staff-child ratio in the group?” Research has shown that loving, caring relationships are critical during early childhood. Those relationships literally help to shape the child’s brain. Programs with lower staff-child ratios and smaller group sizes are more likely to encourage those essential relationships.

The American Academy of Pediatrics states that children learn best when engaged with others in hands-on, problem-solving activities of their choice. That sums it up nicely.

Early Childhood Education Programs (Little Rock Family Special Promotion)