Therefore, success at the intermediate, middle and high school level depends in large part on the acquisition of key skill subjects, specifically communications, in the primary grades. As programs to alleviate learning disabilities tend to decrease in effectiveness and increase in cost as the child moves higher up the grade ladder, reaching children early is paramount. Universities across the United States have responded to the challenge and the plight of at-risk children, and come up with novel school concepts for early childhood development. With the emphasis where it will do the most good on the specific needs of the child and the best interests of the community early childhood centers have sprung up in areas with traditionally high numbers of at-risk children. Much more than fancy day care centers to warehouse kids, ECD training has been, and continues to be, designed and streamlined by professional educators.
Programs vary between states.
ECD programs are often directly linked to university programs. The dissimilarities between today's ECD training and more traditional coursework is pronounced both in style and manner of teaching and the tools and integrated curricula offered. And the personal computer and a comprehensive, team approach is the norm encapsulating and involving the child's home, school, parents and community. Today's student is more likely to receive individualized assessment and prescription services. And many ECD centers provide clinical health services featuring supplemental meal and dietary programs.