Children’s early learning experiences have a profound effect on their
development. In Kindergarten, children’s receptivity to new influences and
capacity to learn are at their peak. During this period, they acquire a variety
of important skills, knowledge, and attitudes that will affect their ability to
learn, their personal development, their relationships with others, and their
future participation in society.
Young children today
begin to develop their skills, knowledge, and attitudes in a variety of
environments – in their homes, in childcare and community settings, and in
Kindergarten programs. Positive early experiences with school are of paramount
importance to young children. The learning they do in Kindergarten provides the
basis for the acquisition of literacy skills (including technological and
computer literacy), mathematics skills, and science skills, and prepares them
for successful learning experiences in later grades.
Children
arrive at school with different backgrounds and experiences and at different
stages of development. To give each student the best start possible, it is
essential that Kindergarten programs provide a variety of learning opportunities
and experiences. Teachers, early 
childhood educators, members of the community, and families must work together
to provide constructive and consistent learning experiences that will build
students’ confidence, encourage them to continue to see learning as both
enjoyable and useful, and provide a strong foundation for their future
intellectual, physical, and social development