Most parents remember the tug on their heart strings when their toddler, angelic upturned face, held out a book … an innocent yet irrefutable request to be read to, and those perfect moments of snuggling with their preschooler reading together, pointing at pictures, scary voice, old-lady voice, baby voice.

Cherished memories, but much more than that. Preschoolers, toddlers, even infants who are read to regularly get myriad benefits. They develop a better vocabulary, experience better literacy development overall and a better chance of succeeding in school.

Warren is lucky to have programs that augment the advancement of children’s education before kindergarten, giving them a jump start on learning and, ultimately, a successful future.

The Don Mills Achievement Center has an Early Childhood Learning Center for 3-year-old and 4-year-old children. The Economic Opportunity Council of Warren and Forest Counties maintains Head Start classrooms throughout the county. The PA Pre-K Counts program at the Jefferson DeFrees Center has earned four stars, Pennsylvania’s highest quality ranking.

Beginning Feb. 2, Toddler Time will resume each Monday at 10:30 a.m. at the Warren Public Library Children’s Department. This program, geared toward children age 1 to 4 (but open to all), includes stories, songs, crafts and creative play, all conducive to the kids’ future education.

“Children who come to kindergarten without all the skills they need often stay behind and struggle in school,” according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Quality preschool education “prepares children for reading and math, but also for paying attention, following directions and getting along with others,” and … it “gives children a chance to learn, become excited about school and be better students.”

Read to your children. Get more information. Search online. Ask for help. Our children are worth it.