Your little one is growing fast, starting to talk and developing a personality of his or her own. As they grow, you start to see them expressing intelligence, creativity, and other basic traits that will carry them through school, work, and personal life.
But first comes preschool. Sending your child to his or her first school is an exciting prospect – but also a nerve-racking one. What are the main things you need to consider before settling on an early learning facility for your child? Helene Goldnadel takes a look at some of them.
Pedagogy Counts
When looking at preschools, you should look closely at each institution’s learning philosophy. Is the school day full of drill and rote learning, or are there activities that give children opportunities for discovery and creativity? The latter is preferable. Though reading, writing, and early math skills are necessary, toddlers need time and space to make choices and develop their own personalities. Art, make-believe play, music, and other right-brain activities serve to enrich children’s understanding of their immediate environment, while also developing their sense and social behaviors. Seek out programs that complement writing, reading, and math with these creative pursuits.
Motoring Forward
Developing fine and gross motor skills is critical for toddlers. Look for a preschool that works active play into the daily schedule. Finger painting, stringing beads, building with blocks, and working with manipulatives all give little tikes a daily dose of motor-skill practice and refinement. Exposure to these activities will give them a bedrock of skills that will aid them when they start writing, playing musical instruments, and participating in sports.
Ask About Staff
Learn about each institution’s staff. What is their experience and educational background? A good preschool teacher should not only have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, but should also have experience in child development. Staff should know the ins and outs of early learning, while also knowing how to stoke toddlers’ creativity and cultivate an enriching social environment. Just like teachers at any other level, a preschool teacher should be passionate, attentive, and aware of each student’s particulars needs. Ask if you can visit schools or even observe classes in order to get a feel for the teachers and staff.
Bending the Rules
How does the school you’re considering handle disciplinary issues? Toddlers can’t help but get in trouble sometimes; they don’t know better. Preschool is one of the main environments where they’ll learn to separate right from wrong. The methodology used for teaching kids morality is critical. Pre-kindergartners should seldom be punished for wrongdoing, but should be redirected toward good behavior. Ask each school how they apply this key technique of positive redirection. Is there a reward system for good behavior? Are there time outs or other gentle punishments for major offenses? Find out how discipline is handled and determine whether the school’s philosophy is right for your child.
Your child’s first foray into the world of education should be exciting and full of opportunities for growth. With careful research, you can start them off on a road to happiness and success.
Also read: Helene Goldnadel Tips for Choosing the Right Games for Your Developing Child