{"id":59377,"date":"2025-08-15T00:07:52","date_gmt":"2025-08-15T00:07:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.firstthingsfirst.org\/?post_type=first-things&p=59377"},"modified":"2026-02-04T23:18:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T23:18:00","slug":"covid-babies","status":"publish","type":"first-things","link":"https:\/\/www.firstthingsfirst.org\/es\/first-things\/covid-babies\/","title":{"rendered":"COVID babies starting school behind, and the importance of early childhood"},"content":{"rendered":"

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted life for all of us, but for the youngest children\u2014babies and toddlers born just before or during the pandemic\u2014the effects have been especially deep. Known by many as \u201cCOVID babies,\u201d these children entered the world in a time of isolation. They missed out on birthday parties, story times at the library, visits with grandparents and regular playdates with other kids.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, as they enter preschool and kindergarten, many teachers are seeing the impact. According to a story in <\/span>The Hill,<\/span><\/i><\/a> a media outlet that covers policy and politics in Washington D.C., children are starting school behind\u2014not just in reading and math, but in skills like sharing, following directions and managing emotions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Children are starting kindergarten behind<\/span><\/h2>\n

For some, it\u2019s the first time they\u2019ve spent the day with a large group of peers or been in a structured classroom. That\u2019s a big leap for a 5-year-old. Ginger Sandweg, Senior Director for Early Learning with First Things First, has heard these stories repeatedly over the last several years from child care providers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Families worked hard to fill the gaps, but young children learn best through in-person play, exploration and caring relationships with trusted adults. These are experiences that a screen can\u2019t fully replace.<\/span><\/p>\n

Early childhood education is the foundation\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Early childhood education is more than a stepping stone to kindergarten\u2014it\u2019s the foundation for all future learning. High-quality programs give children the chance to build language skills, practice problem-solving, and learn how to work with others. Just as important, they help children gain the confidence to try new things and the resilience to handle challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n

Research shows the <\/span>benefits of early learning<\/span><\/a> last well beyond the preschool years. Children who have access to quality programs are more likely to succeed in school, graduate on time and go on to college or career training. For \u201cCOVID babies\u201d starting school behind, these programs can be the bridge that helps them catch up and thrive.<\/span><\/p>\n