Why Early Education Matters
Did you know that during the short period between birth and five years old, a child’s brain creates over a million neural connections every second?
It’s a time of exploration and learning, so it’s vital to nurture a love of learning and build a foundation for their future academic, artistic, and athletic skills. In Downey Unified, we create an environment that encourages growth and development because we know it can have a big impact on their future success and happiness.
90% of a child’s brain development happens before the age of 5.*
Sparking a lifelong passion for learning
For our youngest learners, it’s not about being a high performer in math, reading or even sports! At this age, our main goal is to instill a love for learning in our students. We want them to discover the joy of new activities, experiences and facts. Here, mistakes are just opportunities to learn something new. Our Learn-Through-Play model develops students’ skills in a variety of areas through fun activities and games. Building positive memories with learning sets our students up for success as they move into a traditional school setting and beyond.
Improved School Readiness
Children who participate in early childhood education programs are more prepared for Kindergarten and beyond.
Developing Social Skills
Early education offers children opportunities to interact with peers and adults, fostering social skills such as cooperation, communication, and empathy.
More Likely to Graduate
Children who receive early education are more likely to graduate from high school than children who do not take part in early education programs.
Higher Incomes
Long term benefits of early education include higher incomes compared to those who do not participate in an early education program.
Downey Unified offers exemplary early education programs
We have several options for children between 3 and 5 years of age, including our dual language immersion program, G.L.A.D.
Leap
Downey Unified provides a fee-based Leap program for three-year-olds to start their educational journey. Leap aims to help our youngest learners learn through play, socialize with peers, and lay a strong foundation for their future.
web.dusd.net/leap
Transitional Kindergarten (TK)
TK students benefit from an additional year of school, learning essential pre-literacy and pre-math skills and developing social and self-regulation skills that prepare them to thrive in Kindergarten.
web.dusd.net/kinder
Kindergarten
Kindergarten students learn letters, sounds, and are introduced to reading and basic math. Downey Unified kindergarteners learn problem-solving and explore the world around them, sparking their curiosity and desire to learn more.
web.dusd.net/kinder
Dual Language Immersion
Introduce your child to a second language with our Global Language Academies of Downey (G.L.A.D.) program. This will enhance their reasoning skills, self-esteem, and respect for diverse cultures.
web.dusd.net/glad
