Going into kindergarten already well-prepared gives a child advantagesgives a child many advantages later in life and lowers costs for society in the long term, researchers in Canada find.

«We’ve known for years that getting off to a good start in kindergarten leads to better achievement over the long-term,» said lead author Caroline Fitzpatrick, an assistant professor of psychology at USA, in Nova Scotia.

«But now with our study we can really lock in the idea that early childhood skills help you achieve success and adopt a healthier lifestyle in emerging adulthood. And that’s promising for society as a whole.»

The study was published today in Pediatrics.

«Many children begin kindergarten inadequately prepared to benefit from classroom instruction,» said senior author Linda Pagani, a professor at UdeM’s School of Psycho-Education.

«Those who go in unprepared risk struggling throughout their academic journey. They arrive without the necessary tools in terms of cognitive skills, social skills and motor skills from physical activity,» added Pagani, who is also Senior researcher at CHU Sainte-Justine pediatric hospital in Montreal.

Story Source:
Materials provided by University of Montreal. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.