The Power of Consistency: What Two Years of Preschool Really Teaches Kids 

At Mountain Resource Center Preschool, we know that learning in early childhood isn’t about rushing ahead — it’s about growing deeper roots. This year’s GOLD Assessment data highlights what we see every day in the classroom: children who spend two years in our program develop stronger skills across all areas of early learning — social, emotional, and academic alike.  

Many of our current four-year-olds were with us last year as three-year-olds. As returning students, they’ve come back ready to build on what they learned last year, and it shows. They’re confidently meeting or exceeding expectations in key areas such as fine motor coordination, social-emotional growth, and cognitive skills.  

What “Meeting Expectations” Really Means  

When a child “meets expectations” on the GOLD Assessment, it means they’re demonstrating the skills typically seen at their age level. “Exceeding expectations” means they’re showing abilities beyond what’s expected for their developmental stage.  

Here’s what that looks like in real life:  

• Fine Motor Skills: Children can control writing and art tools with precision, snip safely with scissors, and begin forming recognizable letters and shapes.  

• Social-Emotional Growth: They can calm themselves after excitement or frustration, take turns, express empathy, and work cooperatively with peers — crucial for kindergarten readiness.  

• Cognitive Development: They can sort, count, recognize patterns, and solve problems independently or with minimal guidance.  

• Language and Literacy: They can retell stories, recognize familiar letters (often those in their names), and connect spoken sounds with print.  

Why Two Years Make a Difference  

Our returning students benefit from the security of familiar routines, teachers, and classmates — allowing them to dive right into deeper learning instead of spending the first few months adjusting. That comfort and continuity translate directly into growth.  

Meanwhile, our new three-year-olds are thriving in their own ways, learning classroom routines, developing language, and exploring the joy of discovery through play. Their progress lays the foundation for next year’s more complex skills.  

Together, both age groups show what high-quality early education does best: meet children where they are and help them grow steadily, confidently, and joyfully.  

At MRC Preschool, we’re proud to give children the gift of time — time to grow, connect, and thrive in a nurturing environment that prepares them not only for kindergarten, but for a lifetime of learning.  

Learn more about our preschool program at www.mrcco.org/preschool