How to Choose a Preschool
Finding the Best Early Childhood Education Approach for Preschool
Jul 14, 2009
When a child nears the age of two, three or four, many parents start thinking about preschool. Finding the best match between the preschool and the expectations of the parent and the child can be tricky, but knowing what different kinds of early childhood education approaches focus on can help parents choose a preschool. Also, knowing if a particular child is really ready for preschool can help a parent decide the right time for a child to start school.
Waldorf, Montessori and Reggio Emilia
Lots of different approaches to early childhood education are out there, and many preschools will focus on and identify themselves with a particular approach. Each of these approaches values certain traits in children and encourages different behaviors. The Waldorf approach encourages artistic and creative experience, acknowledges the spiritual in everyday life and encourages play with natural materials and mimicking adult activities such as washing dishes.
Montessori preschools encourage focused learning as children work with specific materials such as a lacing board or stacking cups. In a Reggio Emilia program, children are encouraged to have an active part in the direction of their learning and the natural environment and peer group are considered important parts of a child's exploration in the world.
Parent Participation and Church-Based Preschools
Other preschool options available to many parents are parent participation preschools, where the majority of the administration and assistant work is done by the parents of the children attending the preschool. One early childhood educator is hired by the parents to set a curriculum and direct the group.
This type of preschool is best for parents who have the time to be closely involved with their child's preschool experience, and who want to be part of the decision-making process in the school. Many preschools share facilities with a Sunday school or church. These church-based preschools may or may not have an element of religious education in their program, so this is something a parent may want to ask about when visiting and researching potential preschools for her child.
Is My Child Ready for Preschool?
Despite a parent's best intentions in researching and choosing a preschool for her child, some children will not be ready to attend preschool at the age of 2 1/2 or 3. A child should be able to work on projects independently, be away from mom or dad for a few hours, and participate in group activities such as sitting still for circle time with other children. Many preschools request that children be able to use the potty independently before attending preschool.
What if My Child Isn't Ready for Preschool?
As a general rule, when a child wants to have more time interacting with other kids and exploring new activities than he is able to do at home or daycare, then that child could benefit from attending preschool. After preschool begins, stay open to the possibility that either the specific approach or the general structure and pace of preschool might not be a good fit for the child.In that case, she might benefit from a little more time at home or daycare before she is ready for structured preschool again.
Preschool is often a child's first experience of structured learning and a social environment. It's important to know what focus and approach a preschool will take and whether that suits the particular child who will be attending. Going off to play and learn independently is a big step for both the child and the parent, so making sure that the child is ready and the preschool will be a good fit with his learning style and development can help ensure preschool is a positive experience.
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