Last week a video aired on CBS Los Angeles addressing parents “turning their toddlers into a scholars.” Kumon learning center has had an influx of toddlers in the last year, in which Junior Kumon numbers grew by 30 percent. Some think that the growth of Kumon is a result of parental anxiety, and the stress of keeping their children above the learning curve.
The debate taking place right now is whether these toddlers are too young to be in a learning center. Would you give your child a head start at your local Kumon learning center?
Twice a week 15-30 minutes a day children as young as three years old come in and get drilled in math and reading. Kumon instructor Nancy Milkovich said she’s seen five year olds do three-digit multiplication. She says there is no stress or pressure, and children are encouraged to go at their own pace. Kumon instructors say it encourages kids to feel comfortable and confident before going to Kindergarten.
One parent said her son is already ahead in learning and Kumon gave him a lot of confidence. Another said if his daughter doesn’t want to do her work that day, he doesn’t force it upon her.
But is this advanced learning too early?
Family and Child Therapist Dr. Fran Walfish says parents need to be careful when going from toddler to scholar. She says the three year old is too young for that structure and it can create a block for them wanting to learn later on.
Parents whose children have attended Kumon have shelled out $125 a month. Sylvan Learning Center, a program similar to Kumon is charging as much as $199 for the pre-kindergarten market.
Experts say nurturing a child’s intelligence is important, but not at the cost of their childhood. If a child is struggling in classes they are probably not ready.
What do you think of the debate? Would you put your children in a learning center before the age of 5?
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