At The Village and The Rutledge Institute, we believe that high-quality early childhood education is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child. While the benefits of preschool may seem obvious, the long-term impact on a child’s life and our community is truly remarkable. The facts and figures behind early education show that it’s more than just a place to play—it’s a critical investment in a child’s future.

Why Preschool Matters for Your Family

We understand that choosing a preschool is a big decision for your family, and we want to make sure it’s an option that works for you. Investing in your child’s education from an early age can make a significant difference in their future—and yours. A great preschool gives kids a head start, preparing them not just for school but for life. This can ease the transition to kindergarten and beyond, making it simpler for parents to manage their own busy schedules, knowing their child is in a safe, nurturing, and educational environment.

The Foundation: Brain Development and School Readiness

The first five years of a child’s life are a period of unparalleled growth. In fact, a staggering 90% of a child’s brain development occurs before kindergarten. This is a critical window of opportunity to build the cognitive, social, and emotional skills that will serve them for a lifetime.

High-quality preschool programs are intentionally designed to maximize this growth. Children are introduced to foundational concepts in a fun, engaging way, helping them enter kindergarten with a significant advantage. This includes:

• Stronger Language and Literacy Skills: Through storytelling, rhyming, and early phonics activities, children build the vocabulary and pre-reading skills essential for academic success.
• Enhanced Math and Problem-Solving Abilities: Counting, sorting, and pattern recognition activities lay the groundwork for a solid understanding of mathematical concepts.
• Improved Social-Emotional Development: Perhaps most importantly, preschool is where children learn to navigate the world outside their family. They learn vital skills like sharing, taking turns, cooperating with peers, and resolving conflicts in a safe and supportive environment.

The Long-Term Ripple Effect

The benefits of early childhood education don’t stop when a child graduates to kindergarten. Decades of research have shown that the positive effects of education ripple out across a person’s entire life, regardless of their career path (college, trade school, apprenticeship, etc.). Participants in high-quality preschool programs are shown to have:

• Higher High School and College Graduation Rates: Research from institutions like MIT and others consistently shows a link between attending high-quality preschool and an increased likelihood of graduating on time and pursuing higher education.
• Greater Economic Stability: As adults, those who attended a quality preschool are more likely to have higher earnings and are more likely to own their own homes.
• Better Health and Well-Being: Early childhood education is linked to better long-term health outcomes and a reduced need for social services later in life.

An Investment in Our Community

Ultimately, investing in early education isn’t just a benefit for the children who attend. It’s an investment in our entire community. A society with a stronger, more educated workforce and a brighter, more stable future begins in the preschool classroom.

At The Village and The Rutledge Institute, we are proud to be a part of this vital work, providing the Mon Valley and surrounding areas with a strong foundation for the next generation. We encourage you to reach out and learn more about how we can support your child’s success.