ABSTRACT
Research shows that early learning experiences have immediate, measurable effects on the cognitive and social development of preschool children.
Early childhood education, which is centred on active learning, can lead to lasting gains in educational performance, social adjustment and later employment. It does this through encouraging high aspirations, motivation to learn and feelings of social commitment, especially for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
It is suggested that early childhood education is effective because it encourages social skills and shapes the cognitions children develop about the social environment and their own role in it.
From the policy point of view, those early childhood programmes whose evaluations have been rigorous and long-term are a wise investment.
