A friend of mine recently had her first baby. She shared with me, that within just a few weeks of the birth she had dutifully opened a “College Savings Account” for her little one. Everyone present seemed to acknowledge that this was a very responsible thing to do. In fact, many other parents were kicking themselves for not doing that exact same thing, and vowed to open one immediately. After all, college is very expense and will probably be several hundred times more expense by the time our children graduate. Everyone seemed to agree that it is parents’ solemn duty to save as much money as possible so that one day they will be able to sent their children off to a “fine institution of higher learning.” I do not want to discredit their good intentions, but I feel strongly that they are partially misguided.
There is so much focus on the future, and especially college, that the present is often neglected. I think the saying goes, “It’s not how you start, but how you finish,” but I say, “How you start, will determine how you finish!” Parents who focus on early childhood education, will nearly always finish ahead of those who wait for the future. Putting greater efforts into early education is a far better investment of time and money than the most generous interest bearing “college savings account.” That is because it is better to get the ball rolling early, than to kick it really hard at the end.
The Case for Early Childhood Education
To begin with, early education is far more affordable than “higher education.” For under fifty dollars, any parent can purchase a comprehensive Preschool or Kindergarten Curriculum. At no expense, except a little time, any mother can easy teach their two or three-year-old to read, write and do basic arithmetic at home. Or, if the parent does not have the time, the next best option is to pay a private tutor a few hundred dollars a month. In either case, the cost is pennies compared to the outrageous cost of college, while the advantages are huge! By giving your children a head start, you put them on a fast track. If they go to school, instead of homeschooling, the teachers will quickly realize that your children are advanced and continue to spur them on. Your children, having been properly prepared, are more likely to excel at school and, are therefore more likely to enjoy their studies. By helping your children excel early, they are far more likely to excel later on.
“OK, that is all fine, but eventually those children will grow up and go to college, and then what?” I imagine some parents protesting. On this, I have three points:
First, if parents desire their children to go to college, they should know that children that excel in grade school and high school are far more likely to go to college. Also, since the purpose of college is not merely getting there, but graduating, students who are prepared for college are far more likely to finish. Students who begin college unprepared are more likely to struggle, repeat expensive classes and dropout.
My second point, regards paying for college. College is much less expensive for students that excel early In fact, hundreds of millions are given away every year in scholarships, not to the parents that saved the most, but to the students who are the most prepared! 20 years from now college costs may be $80,000 or more for a 4-year degree. Even if a parent can realistically save that amount of money for ALL their children, it must be a bit bewildering to pay when other parents have children attending at no cost because their children earned full-ride academic scholarships. I am not saying, “don’t save.” I am simply saying it might be a better investment to put at least a portion of that money toward their primary education. As extra incentive, you could offer a portion of the “college fund” as a reward – directly proportionate to the scholarship amount your children earn on their own. On the other hand, imagine the cost of sending unprepared children off to college and watching them repeat classes or even dropout.
Finally, there is a good chance your children will decide against college altogether. They may choose to join the military, start a business, or go straight to work. If this ends up being the case, won’t you be glad that you put your energies into providing a “high quality” early education? And what about the college fund? Well you could offer a portion of the money to help fund your children’s business, work or first home. After all, the money was set aside to give them a “start,” and I can think no better education than going to work or starting a business.
So, while I am definitely not condemning “college funds,” I do want to encourage parents to invest more into early and primary education. The money is better spent and the benefits are tremendous.
With a degree in Early Childhood Education myself I couldn’t agree more! Let’s get off to a good start! With that being said this morning I was reading my 2 month old a story and he loved it! I desire to encourage all parents that they are their child’s #1 teacher. Please come over and visit at “My Teacher’s Name is Mama.” Great Post! myteachersnameismama.blogspot.com
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I wonder if there are going to be major changes to college by the time our kids are that age anyways. It seems like people are choosing other routes and I would be perfectly happy if my children began their own businesses, went into useful ‘trades,’ etc. I agree that starting right from the beginning is better than just focusing on piling money for a silly college degree (I know some jobs truly do need the training of a college degree, I’m just referring to all the frivolous degree getting…but I know you know what I mean =)
A great article looking ahead to read more articles like this.
I liked what you said about how going to school early can set them up for a better school because they will have been prepared and can advance in their studies so that they can succeed later on. I have been thinking about sending our kids to preschool when they get old enough so that they can learn more and we can have some free time away from them to relax. Having them taught by a professional would be really reassuring and they will be able to be engaged in what they are doing every day.
Great article. Thanks for sharing. I have come across Ithaca Montessori School they provide Montessori education program in Nashville.
Thank you for sharing. Having kids participate in the learning activities that involved their skills while playing plays an important role in the development of the child. Ithaca Montessori School a small group of Montessori educators Nashville, you can visit the site to learn more.
https://www.ithacamontessori.net/
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Thank You
High quality early childhood education gives children the best start in life. It provides important opportunities to learn and develop. Early childhood education can help your child make friends, develop independence and learn new routines. It also supports their transition to school.
A thought-provoking perspective on early childhood education versus college savings. You make a strong case for investing in early education, emphasizing its affordability and long-term benefits. It’s a valuable reminder to focus on the present to ensure a brighter future. Thanks for sharing your insights!