Summary
Many children who started kindergarten in the U.S. this year were born in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents and experts are observing how early pandemic experiences might affect their development and learning.
Key Facts
- Over 3.6 million children born in 2020 are starting kindergarten in the U.S. this fall.
- These children grew up during the COVID-19 pandemic, often seeing adults wear masks and use hand sanitizer.
- Many of them spent their early years in isolation due to lockdowns.
- Research indicates early experiences can have long-term effects on children's development.
- A study from JAMA Pediatrics suggests hardships faced during these early years could affect cognitive and social development.
- Another study found infants born early in the pandemic showed slightly lower skills in motor and social areas at six months old.
- Experts are closely monitoring how these children adapt and grow in educational settings.
