A literature review on the effects of early educational experiences on child development : Issues and challenges

Abstract

Theories and evidence contend that early childhood is a critical period in making investments to yield effective educational outcomes. However, early education effectiveness as to preschool-aged children’s cognitive and non-cognitive development are mixed across studies. Correspondingly, in reaction to the growing trend in the importance of early childhood education, particularly in preschool levels, the United States as well as societies across the world demand findings of its inherent issues and challenges by reviewing present early education programs in respect of children’s development. This study focused on addressing what issues and challenges are in evaluating the effects of early education and the evidence supporting few unqualified conclusions. First, we found that there are some variations in the impacts of early education on children’s development throughout studies. Second, while some studies support the evidence of early education short-term effectiveness regarding children’s development, there are few studies about long-term effects. Lastly, methodological challenges about the way early education programs have been designed and implemented were identified across studies. Hence, this paper highlights the discussion to move forward stabling and appropriate ways to explore the impacts of early learning experiences on child development. Furthermore, implications for future studies are discussed.