Early Learning at SJPS
Why is Early Learning, or Early Childhood Education, important?
Kids learn a lot before they get to Kindergarten! Quality Early Learning supports families in equipping their children for the future.
As SJPS Early Childhood Director Heather Reed mentions in the video below, some of the many reasons education at this stage is important include:
Critical Developmental Years: Children learn more in their first five years than at any other stage, making early education essential.(1)
Comprehensive Growth: Programs address academic (ABC’s, 123’s), social-emotional (self-regulation, routines, conflict resolution), physical (fine and gross motor skills), and cognitive (focus, perseverance, memory) development.
Early Intervention Benefits: Identifies developmental delays early, reducing the need for special education later.
Family Partnership: Schools provide at-home learning activities, family support, and access to community resources (food, clothing, parenting support).
- Economic Impact and Self-Sufficiency: Research shows a $4-$9 return for every $1 invested, benefiting education budgets, crime rates, and graduation rates. Immediate benefits include a stronger workforce as parents with reliable childcare can work consistently.(2)(3)
Source: Exceptional Returns: Economic, Fiscal, and Social Benefits of Investment in Early Childhood Development, Economic Policy Institute, 2004.
Research
Studies referenced above:
Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. (n.d.). InBrief: The Science of Early Childhood Development. Retrieved from https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/inbriefs/inbrief-science-of-ecd
Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. (2024). A Policy Framework for the Science of Early Childhood Development. Retrieved from https://developingchild.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Policy_Framework.pdf
The Wing Institute. (n.d.). Are Early Childhood Programs Effective? Retrieved from https://www.winginstitute.org/are-early-childhood-programs
Additional Influential Studies:
1. Long-Term Educational and Economic Benefits (Bailey, Sun & Timpe, 2020)
Study: Prep School for Poor Kids: The Long-Run Impacts of Head Start on Human Capital and Economic Self-Sufficiency (NBER Working Paper 28268)
Findings:
Head Start participants experienced an increase of 0.65 years of total schooling.
High school graduation rates increased by 2.7%, while college enrollment rose by 8.5%.
College completion rates increased by 39%, highlighting the long-term benefits of early learning on higher education attainment.
Head Start also improved economic self-sufficiency, leading to better long-term financial stability.
Implications:
This study underscores the significant and lasting impact of early learning programs, particularly for low-income children. Investments in programs like Head Start contribute to higher educational attainment and improved economic outcomes.
2. The Perry Preschool Project: Lasting Cognitive and Social Benefits (Schweinhart et al., 2005)
Study: The High/Scope Perry Preschool Study Through Age 40 (HighScope)
Findings:
Participants in the Perry Preschool program had higher IQ scores in early childhood, though cognitive gains leveled off later.
High school graduation rates increased significantly compared to non-participants.
At age 40, participants were more likely to be employed and earning higher wages.
Participants had lower rates of incarceration and higher homeownership rates, indicating long-term social and economic benefits.
Implications:
This study highlights how high-quality early education programs impact not only cognitive skills but also social behaviors and life outcomes.
3. The Abecedarian Project: Cognitive Gains and Better Health (Campbell et al., 2014)
Study: Early Childhood Education: Young Adult Outcomes from the Abecedarian Project (Science Journal)
Findings:
Children who participated in the program had higher IQ scores that persisted into adulthood.
Higher rates of college graduation and full-time employment were observed.
Participants had better health outcomes, including lower rates of hypertension and fewer risky behaviors.
Implications:
This research suggests that early learning programs influence not only academic success but also lifelong health and well-being, reducing healthcare costs and improving quality of life.
How do SJPS Early Learning programs benefit students and parents?
Our current programs include our GSRP Preschool (4 years old), Little Wings (birth - five years old), and Adventure Club and preschool programs (school-aged children).
These programs not only allow working parents the opportunity to earn income for their familes, but they provide research-backed, comprehensive educational programs that support child development.
Hear more about it in the video!
How would an Early Learning Center expand support for students and families?
An Early Learning Center would provide space for all of the students on our waiting list, better equip staff and students with appropriate resources, and make our community more enticing for young families!
Watch the video to learn more about how an Early Learning Center would provide:
Additional programs to meet the gap for working parents to send their children in St. Johns
Space for our over-capacity programs that consistently have around 80 students on the waiting list
Right-sized facilities that meet the needs of students and allow staff to better collaborate
More efficient operations, use of resources and staff
An invitation for younger families to move and settle in our district
What facility elements of an Early Learning Center would support learning?
A new Early Learning Center would be appropriately designed for our youngest learners and the learning happening on the campus. Our current spaces do not support Early Learning in the same manner as they are aging spaces designed for older kids.
Specific elements of Early Learning Center architecture include:
- Age- and size-appropriate bathrooms and sinks in each classroom
- Size-appropriate furniture, equipment, and storage
- Cleanable surfaces
- Flexibility to adapt for all different types of learning: play-based, instruction, small group, art projects, etc.
- Adaptive, controllable lighting
- Exposure to other spaces
- Mudroom access
