The Title Of My Project Goes Here

The Importance of Attending a Quality Preschool Prior to Attending Kindergarten

A Project

Presented to the

Faculty of

Department of Educational Leadership

California State University, Fullerton

In Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirement for the Degree

Master of Science

In Education

Magdalena Correa The Importance of Attending a Quality Preschool Prior to Attending Kindergarten

A Project

Presented to the

Faculty of

Department of Educational Leadership

California State University, Fullerton

Magdalena Correa

Approved by Date

ii ABSTRACT

The purpose of the research study was to investigate if students who attended preschool prior to entering kindergarten were more successful in the following five areas: reading skills, writing skills, verbal skills, social skills, and life skills.

The kindergarten curriculum has changed dramatically as a result of the focus of emergent literacy as outlined in the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).

The curriculum has evolved into a more sophisticated program where children are expected to have a clear understanding of the concepts of print, which is one component of emergent literacy. The academic focus in kindergarten became learning the uppercase and lowercase letters, their corresponding sounds and eventually manipulating sounds in words to create new words, as opposed to children learning to socialize with other children, specifically in the form of dramatic play. Surveys were collected from the kindergarten parents regarding their perception of their child’s readiness in the five different areas. Data was analyzed to determine the overall similarities and differences between the children who attended preschool and who did not attend preschool. Children who did attend preschool performed slightly better than those who did not attend preschool.

iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

To my husband for all of his support during this stressful time in our lives. We are finally beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

To Marc Anthony – who could not understand why his mom was gone for so much time on Wednesdays. We can start having fun again!

To Gabriel Ivan who was born during this stressful time. Now I’ll really be able to start enjoying you!

Para mi Tía Engracia que siempre me encultó la importancia de la educación.

Para mi mamá que cuidó a mis hijos desde el amanecer hasta el atardecer cada miércoles. ¡Mil gracias mama!

Le dedico este tesis a mi abuela que aunque no pueda estar conmigo siempre la recuerdo.

Last, but not least, Bernadette, Derek, Diana & Laura - I could not have done it without you! YOU ARE THE BEST!

iv TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract...... iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS...... iv

LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES...... vii

CHAPTER

ONE INTRODUCTION

Statement of Purpose...... 2

Rationale...... 4

Question(s) Answered...... 6

Focus of the Research Study...... 6

Assumptions and Delimitations...... 7

Operational Definitions...... 8

Overview of Remaining Chapters...... 9

TWO REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Introduction...... 10

History and Background of Head Start...... 10

Characteristics of a Model Preschool Program...... 11

Evidence of the Effectiveness of Preschool...... 13

Elements of an Effective Transition Program...... 16

Reasons for Not Attending Preschool...... 20

Summary...... 21

THREE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

v Participants...... 22

Instruments...... 23

Procedures...... 24

Data Analysis...... 24

FOUR FINDINGS

Introduction...... 26

Importance of Preschool...... 27

Importance of Kindergarten Readiness...... 27

Importance of Preschool to Reading Skills...... 28

Importance of Preschool to Writing Skills...... 30

Importance of Preschool to Verbal Skills...... 33

Importance of Preschool to Social Skills...... 35

Importance of Preschool to Life Skills...... 37

Student Achievement Data...... 40

Summary...... 42

FIVE SUMMARY/CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary...... 45

Conclusions...... 47

Recommendations...... 47

References...... 50

Appendix/Appendices...... 53

vi LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES

Table 1 Kindergarten Readiness – Reading Skills (Preschool)...... 29

Table 2 Kindergarten Readiness – Reading Skills (No Preschool). .30

Table 3 Kindergarten Readiness – Writing Skills (Preschool)...... 31

Table 4 Kindergarten Readiness – Writing Skills (No Preschool)....32

Table 5 Kindergarten Readiness – Verbal Skills (Preschool)...... 33

Table 6 Kindergarten Readiness – Verbal Skills (No Preschool).....34

Table 7 Kindergarten Readiness – Social Skills (Preschool)...... 36

Table 8 Kindergarten Readiness – Social Skills (No Preschool)...... 37

Table 9 Kindergarten Readiness – Life Skills (Preschool)...... 38

Table 10 Kindergarten Readiness – Life Skills (No Preschool)...... 39

Table 11 Letter Recognition...... 41

Table 12 Preschool Preparation...... 42