Learning is a lifelong process that starts with a solid foundation; for many children that foundation starts with the right preschool program. A preschool is an early-childhood educational class for three and four-year-olds. Preschools have become so popular that two-thirds of four-year-olds attend a preschool or child-care center. Give your child the gift of an educational foundation; here’s what you need to know to find the right preschool for your child.
The Importance of Early Childhood Education
Just like elementary school, preschoolers follow a curriculum. Unlike elementary school however, these programs are custom-tailored according to the preschool’s values; many preschools use a system of key developmental indicators (KDIs) to track the social and emotional development of children. Some of the best preschool programs utilize activities like singing, dancing, crafts, storytelling, and playtime to teach children different lessons — to the children there is a seamless blend of learning and playing. Preschoolers also use math and number skills every day though a variety of activities. A study reevaluated adults who had attended preschool as children and found that those who attended preschool were more likely to complete a higher degree of education and attend college than their peers who did not attend preschool.
The Benefits of Attending a Private Preschool
While many preschool programs offer similar levels of care, there are significant differences among private preschools. Many private preschools adopt a teaching philosophy: this can vary from Waldorf Education which emphasizes the individual, artistic needs of every student, to Montessori Education which allows children to express themselves with reasonable choices. Private preschools tend to have smaller class sizes in general, allowing each child to receive more individualized attention. When it comes to parental involvement, private schools encourage parents to have a committed role in their child’s early education. No two children learn in the exact same way; consider your child’s needs before choosing a preschool that is right for them.