While there is no doubt that education in the early years is crucial, providing public education to young children is only the first step. Something is not necessarily better than nothing.  Quality in early childhood education is a must. The important question to consider is what factors determine quality in preschool as well as in kindergarten and the early elementary years. 

Early childhood education not only introduces kids to schooling but also their parents. These are the years in which a parent learns first hand what it means to send a child to a school. It is at this point that a parent begins to share the rearing of a child with society. The relationship between teachers and parents begins at this time and so do relationships between parents of classmates. Preschool and kindergarten serve not only as a way to smooth the jump into formal schooling for the children, but also for parents. Quality in early childhood education should therefore include how well parents are introduced to basic education.

It is obvious that early childhood education goes beyond some of the factors usually considered in evaluating an education system. The structural requirements such as safe and healthy environments, low pupil to teacher ratio, adequate learning materials, and level of teacher education, are still relevant, but as important, are the relationships forged at this stage between teacher, children and parents.

Seeing teacher-child interactions as significant, teacher training for this stage of schooling then means a focus on what actually happens inside the classroom. The importance of the classroom puts a dent on teacher preparation in college. Learning how to interact with young children happens most with experience.

By: CHARINA C. DIZON | T-I | Mariveles NHS Poblacion Mariveles, Bataan