A recent study conducted on 2,000 parents with children aged 0 to 5 years revealed that 59% of them have serious concerns about their kids’ academic and character development. Specific worries they have include whether their children will learn to communicate effectively (49%), express themselves appropriately (47%), and play fair and cooperate with others (50%).
The study identified various challenges parents face in supporting their children's development, including establishing a daily routine (38%), planning activities (25%), maintaining a consistent environment (23%), teaching positive behaviors (30%), and fostering early literacy and math skills (23%).
Notably, the research highlights that the vast majority (98%) of parents recognize the critical importance of the first five years in a child's development as well as future success. In fact, parents have specific expectations for their children's milestones. By age two, most parents expect their kids to be interacting with peers as well as learning language and social skills. By age three, parents believe their children should begin benefiting from formal learning activities and grasping academic concepts.
Dr. Amy Jackson, Chief Early Learning Strategy Officer at Primrose Schools, stated, “In the first five years of a child’s life, parents have an opportunity to maximize the power and potential of this critical time.”
Moreover, parents prioritize certain qualities when they are checking out preschools. About 15% look at their child’s readiness for kindergarten, 24% seek dedicated and qualified teachers focused on their child's development, and 28% of them say they want a safe environment where their child feels a sense of belongingness.
