How can we best support children as they move from the comfort of home to the school structure? This transition is often accompanied by excitement and anxiety. Early childhood education plays a crucial role in easing this shift, providing young learners with the tools they need to succeed. A strong foundation in early learning fosters confidence, social skills, and a love for education. Families also benefit from structured support, helping them go through this stage more easily. Maryvale, Los Angeles' oldest children's charity, has been dedicated to serving the needs of children and families since 1856. This blog explores the importance of early education, Maryvale's unique approach, and how the community can support these efforts.
Why Early Childhood Education Matters
Research has consistently shown the benefits of early childhood education. For instance, the HighScope Perry Preschool Study followed participants from preschool age through 40 years old. The study found that those who attended high-quality preschool programs were likelier to have higher employment rates and earnings than those who did not attend preschool. They also had lower incarceration rates and were more likely to own a home, highlighting the broader social and economic advantages of early learning.
Similarly, the Abecedarian Study demonstrated that early education leads to higher academic achievement and better health outcomes in adulthood. Children who participated in the program showed stronger cognitive and language skills in early childhood, leading to better school performance and lower dropout rates. As adults, they were more likely to maintain healthy lifestyles and had lower risks of conditions like depression, heart disease, and diabetes. These findings underscore the long-term impact of quality early learning experiences.
The Role of Play in Learning
Play is a vital component of Maryvale's educational philosophy. Activities like block building and creative play are not just fun but essential for developing problem-solving and cognitive skills. Hands-on experiences in language, math, science, and the arts encourage children to explore and learn actively. This type of interactive learning reflects elements of behavioral therapy for kids, helping them develop self-regulation and adaptability.
Research shows that play-based learning significantly enhances brain function. A study published in Pediatrics found that unstructured play helps develop executive function skills, including working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. Children who engage in regular play-based learning demonstrate a 34% improvement in problem-solving abilities and a 20% increase in vocabulary acquisition compared to those in less stimulating environments.
Through play, children foster independence, confidence, and collaboration. These experiences prepare them for the structured learning environment of formal schooling and instill a lifelong love of learning. Besides, cognitive behavioral therapies used in early education help children understand emotions and interactions, building stronger social connections. Long-term studies have shown that children who engage in cooperative play are 40% less likely to develop anxiety disorders and 30% less likely to experience depression in adolescence.
Maryvale’s Approach to Early Education
At Maryvale, the focus is on nurturing the whole child emotionally, socially, and academically. The Early Education Program embraces compassionate teachings within a caring, values-based environment. This approach helps children develop a healthy and positive outlook on life while setting the stage for strong child development.
The curriculum is designed to be developmentally appropriate, allowing children to grow at their own pace. It combines small group instruction with interactive classroom experiences, promoting cognitive, social, physical, and language development. These strategies align with cognitive behavioral treatment principles, ensuring children build emotional resilience while preparing for future academic success.
Maryvale’s Early Education Centers
Maryvale operates three early childhood education centers, each offering specialized programs tailored to different age groups:
- Rosemead Center: Established in 1968, this center cares for children from six weeks to five years old.
- Duarte Center: Serving the community since 1999, the Duarte Center provides early childhood education and a valued Kid's Club for school-age children.
- South El Monte Center: Opened in 2024, this center caters to children aged three to five years.
Each center is licensed by Community Care Licensing, ensuring high standards of care and education. These facilities also integrate trauma-informed care principles, ensuring that children who have experienced adversity receive the support they need to thrive.
Dedicated Educators and Safe Learning Spaces
Maryvale's educators are highly qualified, with many holding advanced degrees in child development and marriage and family therapy. They undergo rigorous background checks and continuous professional development to stay current with best practices. Their training includes cognitive conductual therapy techniques, equipping them with tools to support emotional and behavioral growth in young learners.
Safety is a top priority. Comprehensive protocols are in place to create secure learning environments where children can thrive. Strong teacher-student relationships further support each child's development, providing a stable foundation for learning. These structured, nurturing spaces are critical in preventing future mental health challenges.
Supporting Families Beyond the Classroom
Understanding that education extends beyond the classroom, Maryvale offers before and after-school care to provide continuity for families. The Family Resource Center in Duarte serves as a hub for community education and support services, strengthening the bond between home and school. Parents can also access mental health services, ensuring the entire family benefits from emotional and psychological support.
By engaging with families, Maryvale creates a supportive community that fosters children's and parents' well-being and success. Access to family therapy and other behavioral health resources ensures that families receive the tools they need to build a strong foundation for their children’s future.
How Donations and Funding Make a Difference
Financial support is crucial for expanding access to behavioral health and mental health services. Donations help provide resources, supplies, and staff training, ensuring that all children receive high-quality care regardless of financial circumstances. By funding early intervention programs, donors help prevent the need for intensive outpatient programs or more extensive inpatient mental health facilities in the future.
Community involvement through donations and volunteering amplifies Maryvale's impact, allowing the organization to continue its mission of serving those in need. Every contribution helps sustain mental health clinics, ensuring families receive continued care beyond preschool years.
Transitioning from home to school is pivotal in a child's life. Maryvale plays a vital role in making this shift smooth and thriving through its comprehensive early childhood education programs. By incorporating cognitive behavioral treatment, trauma-informed care, and a values-based curriculum, Maryvale ensures that children receive the emotional and academic support they need.
Parents are encouraged to explore Maryvale's offerings and consider how they can support this essential work. By investing in behavioral health, we invest in our children and community's future success and well-being. Visit Maryvale's website to learn more, donate, or get involved.
