Because most parents are in the labor force, these programs are necessary for most families.
Many parents see high-quality early education programs as a benefit for their children.
They choose to enroll their children in high-quality programs not only because they need care, but also because they need rich, stimulating environments in which to develop. High-quality early education programs can have a profound influence on our children s lives, including increasing their verbal abilities, IQ scores, math skills and creativity. Children in programs rated excellent are more likely to be securely attached to their caregivers, and they later demonstrate higher levels of well-being in elementary school. Low-quality programs can also profoundly affect children. In fact, low-quality programs can significantly decrease children s readiness for kindergarten and their chances of having secure relationships with caregivers.