The ideology of pre-primary school education in Nigeria

Abstract

The importance of pre-primary or pre-school education has been recognized ever since Plato. Various research efforts have also shown that this level of education contributes very universally to proper development and full realization of the mental, physical, cognitive, emotional, and social qualities and potentials of a child. Nowadays psychiatrists, educators and child psychologists have discovered so much evidence of the importance of early childhood experiences. Reaction to neurotic and criminal acts can almost be summed up in the cliche "Something went wrong in childhood." Cliche or no, it is now a well-established fact that the foundations of mental, emotional, and physical health as well as the basis for social adjustment are laid invaribly during the early, impressionable years. Unfortunately, most par- ents cannot provide the variety of experiences and trained guidance their pre-school child needs for proper mental and emotional development. Good kindergartens can perform these functions.