The United States has come a long way since the first debates over public schools began. Responsibility for education shifted from local to state control. Today, the federal government and national organizations focus on regulating standards. There is a shocking debate on the topic of early childhood education. Many people wonder to what extent formal learning is necessary or beneficial for very young children. Various studies have, however, shown that some form of education, whether provided in a formal school environment or an informal environment at home, will significantly benefit children when they reach traditional school age. Children are better prepared to learn and behave better. It is essential to understand the development of early childhood educational concepts and procedures. Early childhood education marks the beginning of children's academic careers. Early childhood education benefits not only children, but also their families and communities. Improved educational outcomes and increased economic savings demonstrate the benefits of high-quality early childhood education. Children who attended early childhood education programs such as Head Start, for example, were more advanced in skills such as following directions, solving problems and participating in activities. Early childhood care and education play an important role in the lives of all family members. It gives children a stable routine and provides endless learning opportunities, while providing families with the security of knowing their child is in a safe and nurturing environment. Many children enter some form of child care very early, from the time they are infants to the time they are discharged...... middle of paper ...... and participants - especially those in low-income areas – enter kindergarten at an advantage and have better health, educational, and financial outcomes in adolescence and adulthood. This is why early childhood education is effective not only for the children and families who participate in it, but also for society as a whole. In a better educated and financially secure society, the state has a better chance of a future. Works Cited Thomas, J. (2014). Child development programs. Child Development Programs -- Research Starters Education, 1.Love, JM Programs That Alleviate the Effects of Poverty on Children. Children's Futures 7, 88. Ludwig, J. and Phillips, D. (2008). “Long-Term Effects of Head Start on Low-Income Children.” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 1136:257-268. http://home.uchicago.edu/~ludwigj/papers/NYAS-LudwigPhillips-HeadStart-2008.pdf