1. Make sure that the ABCs and 123s are a key part of the school's
learning goals.
Early reading, for example, is a predictor of later success in life, so being able to get ahead or catch up in preschool is key. We know focus on cognitive areas such as ABCs and 123s matters enormously. For example, how well a child reads at the end of first grade predicts how well they read in later grades, graduation rates and even their income level as an adult. The very best preschools help ready children advance beyond age norms, but they also nurture children who are behind so they catch up in these early years.
Early reading, for example, is a predictor of later success in life, so being able to get ahead or catch up in preschool is key. We know focus on cognitive areas such as ABCs and 123s matters enormously. For example, how well a child reads at the end of first grade predicts how well they read in later grades, graduation rates and even their income level as an adult. The very best preschools help ready children advance beyond age norms, but they also nurture children who are behind so they catch up in these early years.
2. Ask how "play" is woven into the day, particularly
imaginative and physical play.
It might seem counter to the first tip about reading and math. Most parents assume if there is a focus on ABCs and 123s, it is drill and kill, and there is little room for play. Great preschools do both, and success in the early years of a child's education often allows children opportunities to explore the building blocks of literacy and math through play.
It might seem counter to the first tip about reading and math. Most parents assume if there is a focus on ABCs and 123s, it is drill and kill, and there is little room for play. Great preschools do both, and success in the early years of a child's education often allows children opportunities to explore the building blocks of literacy and math through play.
Other kinds
of play are just essential as well. Imaginative play, for example. Some form of
daily "pretend play" improves emotional/behavioral skills. And
emotional/behavioral skills predict academic performance later. When you visit
the school, look for a costume corner, art up on the walls, pretend kitchen
sets and pairs or small groups of children working together creating and
collaborating.
Some sort of
physical play helping children develop gross motor skills matters, too. There
is a direct correlation between the gross motor skill development of a pre-schooler
and long-term health. Ask whether outside play is a part of a typical day. And
also observe when you visit the school if there is room for kids to run around.
Does the school have a climbing structure, tricycles, and balls for children to
throw?
3. Ask if children are able to choose some of their activities during the day.
Studies show that children who get to choose some activities preschool have better life outcomes. Studies show that when children have the chance to make choices at the tender age of 3 or 4, rather than having all dictated by teacher, they have better long term social and life outcomes on a variety of measures.
3. Ask if children are able to choose some of their activities during the day.
Studies show that children who get to choose some activities preschool have better life outcomes. Studies show that when children have the chance to make choices at the tender age of 3 or 4, rather than having all dictated by teacher, they have better long term social and life outcomes on a variety of measures.
So, while
you want to be sure that there are a variety of materials designed to help kids
with literacy, math, time — and — space, and science skills, for example, you
also want to be sure that the day is peppered with opportunities for your child
to choose his own activities, and is not simply teacher-led instruction.
Looking at a school's schedule can be quite useful on this. See if there are
windows of time that are dedicated to play and/or if there are stations where
children are able to choose what to do.
4. Look for close alignment with "home values."
The way the school handles social and emotional issues should be similar to your approach at home. Consistency for preschool age children is essential in helping them develop. One way to learn more about the school's approach is to ask the teachers or director a role playing scenario. You might ask if two children always played together and one day one of the two decides to play with another child and leaves his friend behind, how the teacher might handle that situation. And then think about whether that approach is the same one you would have taken.
The way the school handles social and emotional issues should be similar to your approach at home. Consistency for preschool age children is essential in helping them develop. One way to learn more about the school's approach is to ask the teachers or director a role playing scenario. You might ask if two children always played together and one day one of the two decides to play with another child and leaves his friend behind, how the teacher might handle that situation. And then think about whether that approach is the same one you would have taken.
I really appreciate your post for helping parents to pick best preschool. I have already shared this with my friend and she found a reputed Phoenix pre-k for her children. She is very happy to know that her kids are doing well there.
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