How To Choose the Right Early Learning Program for Your Child

What Is an Early Childhood Education Program? 

An early learning program also known as an Early Childhood education program is a program designed for children from birth to age 5. An Early Childhood education program will focus on helping to support children as they work through cognitive, social, emotional, and developmental milestones during their early years.

In Nevada, Early Childhood education programs can fall under the classification of Head Start. This is a federally funded program that supports Early Childhood education providers who serve children from birth to age 5.

Sunrise Children’s Foundation offers quality Early Childhood education programs that can help your child get a strong start in their life. Discover how our programs can support your family through services, like WIC, enrollment into Head Start, and access to quality Early Childhood education programming. 

Contact us today at 702-631-7130!

Why Is Early Childhood Education Important for a Child’s Development?

Early Childhood education programs are critical for a child’s overall growth and development. This is because the concepts and skills covered in an Early Childhood education program help children build the essential foundation for which the rest of their learning will take place.
The research is clear. Children who are enrolled in Early Childhood education programs go on to have higher rates of positive outcomes, including: 

  • Stronger academic success
  • Higher graduation rates
  • They are four times more likely to complete a bachelor’s degree
  • Earn more in the workforce as they transition into adulthood 

What Are Important Factors That Determine the Quality of an Early Childhood Program?

When considering an Early Childhood education program, there are different elements to consider. Let’s take a look at some factors you’ll want to pay attention to as you explore different Early Childhood education programs. 

  • Properly trained teachers and staff: A quality Early Childhood education program should have trained and certified staff. Programs that operate out of a daycare, or school setting, should have a certified Early Childhood educator as well as paraprofessionals who have experience working with this population. 
  • Appropriate Early Childhood education curriculum: A quality Early Childhood education program is one that follows a structured Early Childhood education curriculum. For children aged from birth to 3, this curriculum might be a bit loose. A curriculum might work on developmental themes, like helping children understand their sense of self, creating healthy boundaries, play-based learning concepts, and skills and concepts that foster individual motor, social, and cognitive development. As children enter into the 3 to 5-year range, there should be a developmentally appropriate curriculum that aligns with Nevada’s Pre-K standards. 
  • Supportive learning environment: When touring Early Childhood education programs, look for a learning environment that is as engaging, colorful, vibrant, warm, and overall inviting. 
  • Family engagement: Family engagement is a critical component of a quality Early Childhood education program because it means educators are communicating regularly with family members, and encouraging them to be a part of their child’s educational experience. Studies are clear that when children have parental support in their academic life, children are more likely to have a positive academic experience.

Different Types of Early Learning Programs and Their Benefits

When you think of Early Childhood education, or early learning programs, you’re probably thinking of a traditional school setting. However, the reality is that early learning programs can happen in a variety of settings. Let’s take a look at some of the ways in which early learning programs are offered to children and students.

  • Daycare setting: Early Childhood education programs can often be found in daycare settings. Often, daycare settings can hold a select number of slots for children who have been enrolled and accepted into the Head Start program. A major benefit of seeking care here is that there is typically a structured curriculum, experienced staff onsite, and various activities children can engage in. 
  • Preschools: Also known as Pre-K, this is an environment that takes place in a traditional school setting. The main benefit of this type of program is that children really get to feel what it’s like to go to school as their program follows the structure and schedule of a K-12 classroom. Children with disabilities or developmental delays will also find more robust services here than in a daycare or home setting. 
  • Montessori schools: This type of educational setting provides an environment where children are encouraged to self direct their learning. There’s a strong focus on hands-on learning, skill building, creativity, and free play. 
  • Home-based learning: Early Childhood education programs can also take place in the home, whether it’s through a parent, guardian, or a babysitter. This type of setting typically offers smaller sizes and individualized care. However, children generally don’t usually follow a structured curriculum in this setting.

How To Make the Right Choice for Your Child’s Early Childhood Education Program

So, how do you go about making the right choice for your family? Well, it starts by understanding the goals for your child’s Early Childhood education experience. For example, if you know your child is very creative, and works best through hands-on explorative learning, a Montessori school might be an appropriate setting for them. 

If your child has developmental delays, and requires specific healthcare needs, consider exploring options through the Head Start program, or your local school district preschool program where early intervention services are more readily available. 

Start Your Child Strong at Sunrise Children’s Foundation’s Programs

At Sunrise Children’s Foundation in Las Vegas, Nevada, our team is committed to providing top-quality child care, and evidence-driven Early Childhood educational programming. Our learning programs are designed to fit your child’s needs and your family’s goals. Discover how our programs can serve your child when you get in touch with our team today. 

Learn about the Early Childhood programs at Sunrise Children’s Foundation when you contact our team.

Sources:

Children Enrolled in Universal Pre-K Programs More Likely to Attend College, Georgetown Research Shows. (2022).
Davenport, K. (2024). The Importance Of Collaboration Around Early Childhood Education.
Nevada’s Pre-K standards. (2025).