It’s been said countless times, education is key, but there’s an even more important aspect to education than simply attending classes and going off to college — early childhood education.

Doing well in high school and earning a college degree is the crowning achievement for many Alabamians and Dallas County residents, but many of us won’t have a chance at higher education, whether difficulties include financial problems or otherwise.

Regardless of plans after college, early years are often key to the future. A four-year-old child, spending his or her time learning to count with blocks, reading basic books and identify colors with fruit, is certainly more productive than a child watching hours of TV.

At the end of the year, perhaps some students may spend their days watching TV instead of learning basic skills because the Journey School — which educates preschool students — is set to close at the end of the 2013-2014 academic year.

Some parents could certainly switch their children to other schools or daycares. Perhaps there are a bounty of other equally important early childhood options in Selma, but the fact remains — an important educational resource will soon dissapear from the Selma area, unless the school can raise approximately $20,000.

We are certainly saddened by the news that the Journey School will no longer welcome Selma’s bright young minds through its doors in a few short weeks, but hope that parents are able to find other options for schooling.

It’s crucial that young children learn basic skills at an early age and are able to build on them to have a bright future.