Why start with preschool? How early education sets the stage for lifelong success

This piece is sponsored by Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools. 

For many families, preschool might seem like an “optional program” that would be nice to experience but considered nonessential, while kindergarten is the official starting point of a child’s education.

But research, along with real-life classroom experience, tells a different story. Children who attend preschool are better prepared academically, socially and emotionally for the classroom. This early educational start benefits not only children but also their entire classroom, future teachers and even the broader community.

Critical window of opportunity 

According to the Federal Reserve Bank, the return on investment for early education is $7 to $14 for every dollar spent. That return comes in the form of better school performance, higher graduation rates and reduced need for future intervention — academic, behavioral or otherwise. Sioux Falls Hope Coalition, a local nonprofit, has seen this firsthand.

Founded in 2017, SFHC supports families who otherwise may not have access to preschool. In partnership with Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools and other preschools across the Sioux Falls area, it provides scholarships for preschool to children from families at or below 185 percent of the poverty level. In 2024–25, it served almost 300 children. With growing demand, SFHC is  ready to serve even more.

Preschool is more than letters and numbers. It’s about learning to share, take turns, manage emotions and just be part of a group. That kind of social development lays the groundwork for future academic success.

As Rich Merkouris, Sioux Falls at-large City Council member, put it: “If you can’t sit for 20 minutes, you can’t learn to read. And if you can’t read by third grade, the long-term risks multiply. An important question for the community to think about is what formed us as people? Most of us don’t think back to the work that was done in our own early years that we can’t necessarily remember, for example, somebody reading to us or someone that gave us the skills to be able to read. That skill is such a foundational skill that is easily taken for granted.”

That type of work “is so critical, otherwise you can see the back end of things could be a real challenge. If we have a lot of kids in our school that come into kindergarten and can’t read, know simple sight words or recognize letters and their sounds, then it can be hard catching them up,” added Amy Benda, executive director of Sioux Falls Hope Coalition.

“We’re educating families that it’s important to sit down with your children and read with them, read to them and take time to have a conversation about what you’re reading to build vocabulary. It’s healthy to engage in that.”

Kindergarten-readiness gap

Teachers often see a stark contrast between students who have had preschool experience and those who haven’t. Children who have never been in a group setting may struggle to sit in a circle, follow directions or wait their turn. That affects the learning environment for everyone.

A child who has been to preschool and is academically ready for kindergarten may still have their opportunity to learn very much impacted by a chaotic classroom environment. Less time is spent on instruction when a teacher is spending more time helping students with basic routines. Learning is more than just academics — it’s about developing those social behaviors such as how to share, take turns, follow instructions and wait in line.

The impact is even broader. Principals are pulled into behavior management in early grades, diverting attention from curriculum development in higher grades. The whole system feels the ripple effects of underprepared students.

“For a teacher to realize that 50 percent of the class can’t stand in line or can’t sit for 15 minutes, it doesn’t just impact that 50 percent, it impacts the other 50 percent that can stand in line or sit for 15 minutes,” Merkouis said. “I think that’s what’s happening in Sioux Falls as a whole that is maybe not being seen. It’s easy for us to say ‘well, that’s their family and their kids,’ but it impacts all of the classroom and the whole school.”

Breaking down barriers

Sioux Falls Hope Coalition’s partnership with Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools is more than just collaboration — it’s true integration. Children enrolled in preschool through a SFHC scholarship are part of the school community from day one, creating richer diversity and mutual learning.

And for families considering Catholic education, this early access can open doors. While Bishop O’Gorman’s tuition-assistance offerings begin in kindergarten, SFHC helps families bridge the preschool affordability gap. Once enrolled, many children continue on through the Catholic school system, thriving in a consistent, faith-based environment.

Reaching families sooner

Despite the data, many families still wait. Sometimes, it’s financial. Sometimes, it’s cultural as preschool may not have been a part of their own upbringing. Sometimes, parents don’t realize until it’s too late the importance of starting early.

That’s why community awareness matters. Families need to see the value of preschool and know that SFHC exists for children beginning at age 2 1/2– when parents are beginning to think about education.

“We can’t rely on word of mouth alone — it has to be ongoing education. We know this is important, but we need our community to say it’s important too,” Merkouris said.

And for non-English-speaking families, early immersion in preschool can accelerate the learning of the English language and ease the transition to K–12 learning environments. “Kids are sponges,” said Jenni Struck, Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools admissions director.

“If we can expose them to English at age 3 instead of 5, it makes a world of difference.”

Healthier start, stronger future

Through its growth, SFHC also has helped families identify and address developmental concerns earlier, connecting children to evaluations, speech therapy, autism support and more. Early intervention doesn’t just support children and their family, it helps schools prepare and serve their students better from day one.

If we want to create stronger schools, healthier communities and brighter futures, it begins long before kindergarten. Giving every child the chance to grow socially, emotionally and academically in a preschool setting isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. Investing in those early years gives children the foundation they need to thrive and gives our community the opportunity to build a better tomorrow, one young learner at a time.

Interested in enrolling your child in preschool at Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools? Learn more and apply at ogknights.org. Sioux Falls Hope Coalition scholarships are available for qualifying families.

Sioux Falls Hope Coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to high-quality preschool for children from limited-income families in the Sioux Falls area. As a proud United Way partner program, approximately 11 percent of SFHC’s funding comes from United Way, with the remaining support provided by private donors and grants. SFHC intentionally accepts no federal funding to maintain flexibility in serving families’ needs. It costs $3,000 to sponsor a child for one year of preschool — an investment that changes a child’s future. To learn more or support a student, visit freepreschool.com.