Every parent wants what’s best for their child, and it’s understandable to want them home for as long as possible before sending them off to school. However, when the substantial benefits of getting a head start with preschool are considered, it’s hard to argue against early education.

Preschool provides a special place where children can grow at their own pace and develop important skills before their peers, giving them a head start when it’s time to enter kindergarten. Exposing your children to physical activity and the arts at an early age is the ideal way to put them on the fast track to success, in addition to forming crucial social skills that they will use for the rest of their life. Here are three of the many reasons that preschool is so vital in your child’s development:

• Positive learning environment. There is nothing quite as effective as customized education plans, which is exactly what your child will receive in a preschool. Since class numbers are smaller, students are given more time to work on topics that they struggle with before entering elementary school. While most children learn to read by age seven, a child that gets a head start in preschool will usually be able to read at a second-grade level by the time they enter elementary school. Preschool students are given extra attention and positive reinforcement, both of which work wonders in developing their intelligence and self-confidence.
• Arts and music. When searching for the perfect preschool, you’d be wise to find one that places an emphasis on arts and music. Creative learning centered around the arts is widely accepted as the best way to stimulate a child’s development. In fact, a report by Americans for the Arts showed that young people who participate regularly in the arts are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement than children who do not participate. Exposing your child to the arts will inspire them to be creative and use their talents to venture into other fields of academia.
• Physical education. Childhood obesity is one of the biggest crises burdening the American youth today, and preschool is the best way to ensure that your child stays active and healthy. The best preschools give your child a head start both mentally and physically, scheduling fun activities for the children to get moving and release some stress from a hard day at school.

The benefits of preschool are truly endless, and providing your child with early learning will go a long way in preparing them for the future. Find a great preschool in your area and put your child on the path to success and happiness.