Preschool programs began in the United States during the first quarter of the twentieth century with the opening of the first public preschool in 1925 in Chicago at the Franklin School. After the 1970s the popularity of preschools increased as women entered the workforce and people believed that children needed early skills before attending elementary school. ("All about kindergarten, history..."2). Early childhood education plays a key role in a child's academic development because he or she learns soft skills, job skills and develops positive traits. Kindergarten is not like kindergarten, but rather a stepping stone that prepares young students for the school years they will have later in life. As more schools began to open, families wanted to be able to verify that the programs would benefit and protect their children. In response, the National Association for Early Childhood Education was born to help families find the best care for their children by providing training to early childhood educators and ensuring the quality of children's daily experiences. ("NAEYC"5). Soft skills include paying attention, concentrating, wanting to learn things, openness to new experiences, and controlling your temper. These skills are important in life as they can help children become more motivated, be open-minded and learn to take risks safely. Children develop and are able to retain the information they have learned and learn to ask questions that will allow them to try to correct any imperfections they once had. Barbara Wiler, Ph.D., deputy executive director of the NAEYC, says, “Good preschools provide children with rich experiences that equip them with skills, information, and attitudes that prepare them for the first…middle of paper… ....and Jacqueline Haines. The Gesell Institute's one- to six-year-old: Evaluating preschool child behavior. Harper and Row.New York Publishers. 20 October 2011. p30, 40-41. PrintBlumberg, Alex. Kindergarten - the best vocational training program. August 12, 2011. Npr.org. August 17, 2011. Web.Conte, Christopher. “The Politics of Kindergarten.” GOVERNMENT: State Government Newson Politics, Management and Finance. June 2005. Web. December 12, 2011.NAEYC. Standards and criteria for accreditation of early childhood education programs. National Association for the Education of Young Children; Washington DC 2005. 17 August 2011. p5. 7-8. Print.Personality Development: Ages 2-6. December 2011. CliffNotes.com September 1, 2011. p1-2. Web.What children really learn in kindergarten. Parenting. (Autumn 99): vol. 13 Number 7, page 74. 31 October 2011. Web.