Study Gives Good Reason For Full Day Of Preschool
By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - It is a debate that been waged for many years. Are we starting our children in school too early? Or is having them wait until they are older a better idea?
According to a University of Minnesota study, kids who attend a full day of preschool are better prepared for kindergarten and beyond.
A thousand children were followed and full-timers had readiness of 3-4 months over their half-day counterparts.
In addition to that, full-day students finished better prepared in language, math, physical health, and what is called socio-emotional development.
This study is important because while not suggesting that staying home longer is a bad idea, it supports the fact that for many children who must go to full day school earlier, it can be a good thing.
