So says a study recently conducted in Tennessee.
According to the results, students who have productive kindergarten learning experiences are more likely to go to college, less likely to become single parents, more likely to earn more, and more likely to save for retirement.
This research makes me especially grateful for the wonderful kindergarten experiences our children have had so far. Chris and Kieran had the same wise, nurturing, amazing teacher…and we love our elementary school. Here’s a link to Kieran’s author ceremony in kindergarten, and a photo of Chris with his friend James on the first day of kindergarten:
Reading the results of this study makes me especially grateful to my own parents for giving each of their three children such a unique-in-those-days educational start. In the late 60s and early 70s (I entered kindergarten in 1969), kindergarten was not compulsory–in fact, most parents did not send their kids before then. Required schooling began in first grade. Yet, in spite of our meager income, my parents paid for each one of us to attend preschool and private kindergarten. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Mom and Dad!!
This research couldn’t have come at a better time, as teachers are losing their jobs and I’m seriously worried about the ability of Portland Public Schools to keep its educational quality, because of Oregon’s severe budget crisis. I do believe that the best kindergarten teachers are worth $320,000!
Every Day Is a Miracle 