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Don’t underestimate value of early-childhood education
By Ted Schmidt
Recently, The PNC Financial Services Group hosted the Guinness World Records attempt for largest vocabulary lesson as part of Grow Up Great, our early childhood education program. More than 4,000 pre- kindergarten children in 37 cities across 15 states and the District of Columbia participated. Locally, students from the Millcreek Children’s Center in Youngstown took part in the lesson created by our education partners. The event raised awareness of the critical role of vocabulary in a child’s development.
One of the earliest indicators of a child’s future success is the number of words he or she hears prior to kindergarten. Language development begins with the interplay of words between the parent and child and helps nurture vocabulary, which is considered the building block of education. The frequency and richness of natural conversation in a child’s first years plays a key role in development.
An at-risk 5-year-old who lacks these early interactions often enters kindergarten with an 18-month vocabulary gap. As the child ages, the gap widens, and the child risks falling so far behind that it is difficult to catch up with his or her peers.
Giving children the right start to their education has never been more relevant. A recent Manpower study showed that 49 percent of employers struggle to fill jobs because too many job seekers lack the right skills. In a world economy increasingly fueled by a knowledge-based workforce, the solution is to help prepare at-risk children for the challenges ahead so they can enter kindergarten on par with their more economically secure peers.
Central to a child’s keeping pace in vocabulary development is the parents’ active role in his or her education, so that learning takes place in the home long before schooling begins. Children are more likely to succeed when families understand the value of speaking with them. Rather than have them memorize a hundred words, parents must talk, read, sing and play with children from birth. Great vocabulary is the end result of these dynamic exchanges with children.
HOLISTIC ENVIRONMENT
When children experience a holistic environment, which supports their learning at home and at school, they are more likely to graduate, obtain meaningful jobs and do well over time. In these many ways, they have an opportunity to experience social and economic mobility that may not otherwise be possible.
Prioritizing investment in early childhood education is one of the best things Ohio can do to improve education, health and economic outcomes. Recognizing the importance of early childhood education, in 2004 PNC introduced its multi-year, bilingual program for children from birth to age 5. Through the $350 million program, we highlight the importance of the first five years of life and, working with our partners, provide innovative opportunities that emphasize the type of interactions that enhance children’s learning and vocabulary development.
As an advocate for early childhood education over the past 10 years, we know the benefits it provides at-risk children and their families. To help advance this issue, however, more public entities and private enterprises will need to step up their advocacy and provide resources to help secure America’s economic future and competitiveness.
So, please take the time to read and talk with the young child in your life. These efforts and universal access to quality early-childhood education will help to establish a level playing field for achievement in school, college, career and life. It’s an investment that keeps paying a return to our children, our community and all of our futures.
Ted Schmidt is PNC Bank regional president, Greater Youngstown