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For many parents, picking a local preschool program is one of the first important decisions they’ll make in terms of their child’s education. Not only can attending preschool have a direct effect on grade school readiness for all, but 60% of at-risk children were found to be more likely not to go to college if they didn’t get a head-start with a high-quality education in preschool. Even if you know attending preschool matters, you may not know which factors mean the most when selecting your program. Which are the most important things to look for in a preschool? We’ll explore them here.

• Teaching philosophy
  There are all kinds of preschools out there, ranging from academically challenging to play-based. Each has their merits, and there’s likely a preschool that will fit in quite nicely with your parenting style and desires for your child’s education. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for everyone, but it’s important that you choose a school with a philosophy that’s reflective of your own. Even if a particular school is highly ranked and respected, it may not be the right fit for your family if its emphasis doesn’t line up with yours.
• Scheduling and routines
  Your own work constraints may determine the kind of preschool that works best for your child. If you don’t have a flexible schedule of your own, a half-day preschool might present more of a burden on your family in several ways. However, if you have some flexibility with your job, that sort of schedule may be the best way for your child to receive a good education without sacrificing family time. You’ll also want to get a good feel for what your child’s day will look like once they’re at school. Children will typically benefit from having a specific daily routine, but you know your child better than anyone. If you have specific concerns or questions about how a school structures their students’ day, be sure to get clarification and assess whether it will serve your child well.
• Class size
  There are several benefits to having lower child-to-teacher ratios (or class sizes of 15 of fewer. Smaller class sizes have a positive impact on students, due to the tendency towards easier management, and better cooperative play and engagement–and a lower child-to-teacher ratio will allow for more individual attention. While these are important factors, a smaller class size will have little or no benefit without well-qualified teachers, so that should be part of your evaluation as well.

In the end, there are many things that will go into your choice of a local preschool program: the school’s central philosophy, its structure, and the quality of the teachers. It is important to keep your values and needs in mind when making your decision. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions you have. We’re here to help!

Knowing how to find a preschool that aligns with your parenting style and educational requirements can be tough enough, but in today’s world, families also need to focus on safety. While we can’t always predict accidents, your local preschool program should take the initiative to provide ample protection for students. How can you tell if your child will be getting a high-quality education and be safeguarded against harm? Look for the following signs.

Your school informs you about surveillance and safety measures they take
While 70% of at-risk children are more likely to be arrested for committing a violent crime if they don’t receive a good preschool education, no child should ever become a victim of a crime at school. One of the most obvious signs of school safety is that the facility shares the measures they take. When asked, school officials should be able to tell parents precisely how they protect their students. Academic preschool programs should limit premises access and monitor exterior doors and the perimeter. They should also monitor the interior of the school.

It’s not just about keeping dangers out of the school. Classrooms should be childproofed and follow proper safety procedures, which you may be able to pick out from a facility visit. Of course, your school should have fire alarms and fire doors in every room. You’ll want to ask about fire drills and how children are educated in regard to safety to make sure staff members are being proactive with students.

The staff members are highly trained and remain there long-term
You may not initially consider turnover as a factor when you’re figuring out how to find a preschool for your child, but it can be more telling than you realize. A high level of turnover usually signals some internal issues with staff retention or hiring. If teachers are under-qualified or are unhappy, end up leaving after a relatively short time. In general, look for a preschool that has higher retention rates, as this usually means more personal investment from the teachers and better bonding with the students.

In addition, teachers and staff members should be trained in first aid and CPR. The facility should meet licensing standards, and staff members should be eager to provide you with any certification or copies of documents you may need.

The environment reflects school policies and is a clean, healthy place
Overall, the school should practice what it preaches. Classrooms should be clean and free of hazards, while staff members should encourage hand-washing and other cleanliness habits. There should be reminders of these practices throughout the facility to ensure lifelong healthy practices. Above all else, the school’s policies and practices should line up. Visiting the school before you enroll your child can give you an excellent idea of what you can expect as a parent.

Knowing how to find a preschool can be a real challenge for any family. In your quest to find an academic-based preschool that’s right for your family, you can’t forget about safety features like these. While we all hope for the best, it’s important that schools are prepared for the worst. That way, your child will be as safe and healthy as possible throughout their time in preschool.

Between 1990 and 2013, the percentages of three- and four-year-olds enrolled in preprimary programs increased to 42% and 68%, respectively. Clearly, finding the right preschool is a top priority for many American families. However, because approaches to early education vary so widely, it can be tough to know what kind of philosophy will serve your child best. A great preschool experience can allow a child to receive an even higher quality education later, so choosing a preschool for your child can be a high-stakes decision.

Research has found that children fare best when they are able to participate in academic preschool activities and learn through play. If you embrace a mixed philosophy — meaning that you understand the benefits of academic preschool but want to make sure your child also gets the chance to play and develop social skills with their peers — here are a few things to look for in early education programs.

• An emphasis on literacy
  Preschoolers are not expected to know all their letters and numbers going in to preschool, but literacy is a good way to judge the academic integrity of a preschool program. Letters, words, and books should be available to children. Pre-reading skills can be developed in a multitude of ways, from traditional learning to involvement in art, story time, and crafts can support literacy and writing skills later on.
• Periods for play and social activities
  A lot of parents fail to realize that academic preschool activities extend beyond classroom or book learning. Learning through play is just as valuable, so it’s key that parents ask about whether social learning will be part of their child’s daily routine. Play allows a child to understand sharing, compromise, language, and emotional processing, all of which are necessary for grade school readiness. Look for an academic preschool that understands play is a vital part of the learning equation.
• Ways to incorporate math and science
  Although addition and complex experiments may not be included in preschool programs, there are ways to encourage an understanding of numbers and science early in a child’s education. Counting, arranging, and understanding spatial relationships can act as the building blocks for math, as can problem-solving and critical thinking activities. High-quality preschools will also try to capture students’ interest in the way the world works by incorporating interactive activities in science such as, basic experiments for this age group.

Finding a program that embraces your philosophies and incorporates important academic preschool activities can be a challenge, but parents also need to make sure play is included in these routines, too. During a visit, be sure to ask questions pertaining to a facility’s overall philosophy and how their activities support that philosophy. This will give you a good idea of how your child will learn and grow during their time as a student there.

Choosing a preschool for your child is an important decision. There are many factors to consider, which can make choosing a preschool extremely difficult. Parents need to consider things like cost, location, schedule, safety, and discipline. While there are various factors that need to be considered, the school’s philosophy and classroom methods are two of the most important.

While three-fourths of children participate in a preschool program in the United States, not all preschools approach learning the same way. There are two main types of preschools: academic-based and play-based. Let’s examine both.

Academic-Based Preschool

Academic preschool programs are considered “teacher-directed,” meaning teachers lead the children in a structured way by planning activities and then guiding the children through them. This method of preschool is designed to prepare children for kindergarten. The benefits of an academic preschool include skill development: letters, numbers, shapes, and colors. The goal is to help students get ready for kindergarten.

The majority of academic preschool activities consist of following a structured schedule by participating in activities and enhancing basic skills.

Play-Based Preschool

In a play-based preschool program, children can choose activities based on their interests. Most play-based classrooms are broken up into sections, like kitchens, science areas, and reading areas. The children are encouraged to maneuver between activities throughout the day, participating in whatever activities they are interested in at the moment.

Although it may seem like just playtime, children are enhancing social skills as well as some basic math and reading skills. The preschool teacher acts more like a facilitator than a lecturer, monitoring students’ progress through participation rather than by more formal methods.

Which is Right for Your Child?

If you find yourself worrying that a play-based classroom might be too chaotic, or not give your child the individual attention they need, then an academic preschool could be the better choice. You can find comfort in knowing that your child is in a structured setting that will allow them to develop skills at an early age. The structured learning benefits of an academic preschool will prepare your child for not only kindergarten, but a successful start to school overall. However, if you find yourself desiring the benefits of both academic- and play-based programs, there are institutions that provide both types of activities for a comprehensive experience. These schools may be harder to find, but with a little research, you should be able to find the perfect fit for your child.

Finding the right preschool means choosing a preschool that is beneficial to your child and allows them to grow in an environment that’s right for them. Please contact us today if you have questions or would like to find out more.

These days, finding a great preschool is a top priority for most parents. After all, the percentage of three- to five-year-olds enrolled in preprimary programs like preschool, nursery school, and kindergarten rose from 59% to 65% between 1990 and 2013. But just because you’ve checked everything off your “things to look for in a preschool” list and enrolled your child in school doesn’t mean that everything will be smooth sailing.

Even if you’ve chosen from the best academic preschool programs in your area, your child may have trouble making the transition from home to school. Sometimes, these transitional troubles are caused by fears your child may be experiencing. Addressing these fears and coming up with solutions can allow your child to feel much more comfortable in school and enjoy all of the preschool education activities available to them. Below are just a couple of the fears your child might have and how you can help your child face them in a not-so-scary way.

Missing You
Both parents and children often experience separation anxiety. This is to be expected. However, there are things you can do to ease this transition and help them feel less homesick. Visits to the facility can be extremely helpful. The more they become accustomed to being there, the more likely they are to feel comfortable and happy once they’re on their own. Once school starts, make sure to keep your routine consistent. This includes maintaining short and sweet goodbyes. One of the things to look for in a preschool is a staff that understands how tough these transitions can be. Enlist help from staff members to engage your child in an activity after you say goodbye to help distract them in a positive way. You can also have your child bring a comforting item (like a small toy, blanket, personal note, or photograph) from home.

Failing to Make Friends
No matter how great your preschool is, your child might be scared that the other children will be mean to them or that they’ll have trouble making new friends. Preparation will be your best friend here, as introducing your child to their teacher ahead of time can help reduce these anxieties immensely. Confide in the teacher or staff member, letting them know of your child’s reservations. The teacher will be able to make your child feel welcome and assure them that the entire staff is on their side. Should your child be worried they won’t be able to make friends, empathy can work well here, as well: let them know that all of the other kids are just as nervous as they are. With especially shy children, giving staff members a heads-up can facilitate new friendships and opportunities for play. A caring staff is one of the top things to look for in a preschool, so they can be a great ally in this case.

It can be tough enough to find a great preprimary program, but it’s not enough to simply enroll your child in a facility that has all the best things to look for in a preschool. You’ll need to be proactive and help your child face their fears in a healthy way. For more back to school tips, look around our blog or contact us today.

It’s likely you understand the importance of obtaining a high-quality education, and that this foundation starts in preschool. In fact, 60% of at-risk children were found to be more likely to not attend college if they didn’t get a high-quality education in preschool first. Academic preschool programs are now in session. It can be tough for both children and parents to adjust to this new way of life, but experienced teachers and a welcoming environment can make things go more smoothly—and if you know these preschool educator secrets, you’ll be in a better position to embrace these changes head-on.

Preschool teachers want parents to know that…

• The transition might take longer than you think
  When your child begins preschool, you may be worried about how they’ll react to being away from you. But the truth is that the separation can be just as hard on you as it is on your child. It might be the first time you’ve been apart for any lengthy period, after all. Each child has different needs, but it’s never a good idea to drop them off and leave while their back is turned. It’s best to give them a hug and reassure them that you will be back to pick them up after a fun day at preschool and leave as soon as possible. Have patience and realize it may take many days or even several weeks for your child to get used to their new routine. Soon enough, they’ll give up the teary goodbyes and look forward to their favorite preschool education activities—but don’t expect it to happen overnight.
• Structure and routine are essential
  When you care for your child at home, you might have some kind of loose routine, but it’s probably nowhere near as structured as what your child will experience in preschool. When your child knows what to expect on a daily basis, they’ll be in a better position to pay attention, learn, and play. It’s also the best way to ensure your child takes a nap every day. Giving them time to unwind prior to sleep is extremely important, as is creating an atmosphere that’s conducive to rest. Children are typically less likely to act out if their schedule is relatively similar every day; disruptions in their routine can result in disruptive behavior.
• Play is just as important as traditional classroom time
  Requirements for preschool vary from place to place. It is important that the preschool you choose has an academic focus. That said, traditional classroom learning isn’t the only important aspect of preschool. Play can be just as important as planned lessons. Yes, academics do play an important role in preschool, as this time is critical for neural development and will set a child up to receive a high-quality education throughout his or her life. Children learn a lot through playing, discovering, exploring, and socializing with their peers as well. Don’t discount the concept of playtime and how much children need it in their routines.

Every preschool is different (as is every child), but these three concepts are pretty universal. They can help you pick a great preschool program and make sure that both you and your child get the most out of the experience. If you’re ever in doubt about your child’s transition or their routine at school, consult these expert tips.

Fall is right around the corner, which means many parents and guardians will be readying themselves and their children to head off to daycare, preschool, or another childcare arrangements. While finding the right preschool for your family can be a challenge in itself, it can also be difficult to know whether your child is actually ready to start preschool. While the percentage of three- and four-year-olds enrolled in preprimary programs increased by 9% and 12%, respectively, between 1990 and 2013, that doesn’t always mean it’s easy to know whether it’s the right time to enroll. Our quiz can help you recognize the skills your child possesses and help you decide whether this year will be the year for preschool.

How does your child react when they’re away from you?
A. They’re comfortable right away and never know I’m gone.
B. They’re upset at first, but readjust within 10 or 15 minutes.
C. They’re inconsolable until I come back to pick them up.

How well does your child listen and follow instructions?
A. They do this very well.
B. They do this sometimes or most of the time.
C. They do not do this well.

How would you describe your child’s level of potty training?
A. They are totally potty-trained.
B. They are well on their way to being potty-trained, but have the occasional accident.
C. They are not yet potty-trained and have frequent accidents.

How often does your child socialize with other kids?
A. They play with other kids frequently without incident.
B. They occasionally play with other kids but may need to work on their social skills.
C. They barely play with other children or exhibit frequent behavioral issues when they do.

Does your child know how to share, take turns, and cooperate with others?
A. Yes, and they do this often, even without prompting.
B. Yes, but they sometimes need reminding.
C. No, this is a lesson we have to review often or they are resistant to do so.

Can your child clearly communicate their needs and recite your information?
A. Yes, they can express their basic needs and they know our address, phone number, and names.
B. Yes, they can usually express their basic needs and they know at least some contact information.
C. No, they struggle to communicate these needs.

If you answered mostly As: Your child is very likely ready for daycare or preschool. Of course, you should still do your research on specific academic preschool programs before enrolling your child. Inquire with teachers to find out their requirements and whether your child’s abilities would make them a good fit.

If you answered mostly Bs: Your child may be ready to take on those preschool education activities — if not this year, then definitely next year. There may be some key areas you’ll need to consider working on at home in the meantime, like more socialization, communication, or potty training. Ultimately, you’re going to be the best judge of whether your child is ready, but it won’t hurt to talk to staff members and get a second opinion.

If you answered mostly Cs: This year may not be the year for preschool. And that’s okay! Your child might simply benefit from more time to learn these skills. Talk with preschool teachers or daycare staff members in your area and zero in on which skills are typically the most important. Usually, the ability to follow directions and social skills are highly valued. Take some time to develop these on your own and through peer interaction before signing them up for class.

Figuring out whether your child will fare well in daycare or preschool isn’t an easy task, but these important questions can illuminate the skills your child has already acquired and the areas they may need to work on before being placed in a totally new environment. And as always, your preschool of choice will be a valuable source of information that can help you make the right decision for your family.

Preschools are more than just an alternative to daycare. As a matter of fact, children who attend preschools are more likely to succeed as adults and live healthier lifestyles.

According to the University of Michigan, children who were enrolled in preschool had higher salaries 25 years later compared to those who did not attend preschool. Additionally, up to 25% of at-risk teenagers are more likely to drop out of high school if they are not exposed to an academic preschool curriculum as a child.

But why does getting a high quality education at a young age have such a significant effect later in life?

Children typically exhibit personality traits within their first few hours of life. However, these traits can be shaped and changed during early childhood. Ultimately, children who attend preschool have a social advantage over children who do not attend preschool. Let’s look at a couple reasons why:

Academic preschool programs help your child learn to make friends
Children who attend preschool are given an entire school year to learn social cues, including how to make friends laugh, how to make them cry, how to make them angry, how to get along with them, etc. Children who don’t attend preschool, on the other hand, must wait until kindergarten to learn how to interact with their peers. Interacting with family is different than interacting with peers, and peer-to-peer interaction is essential at this stage in your child’s life.

Preschool engages your child’s mind
Children’s brains act as sponges for information. Before the modern day, this allowed them to learn survival skills to stay safe from predators. The earlier your child learns, the easier the information will be for them to retain. That is why it’s so important to begin teaching your child multiple languages at a young age, for instance.

Preschool academics help your child get a leg up in the academic world by exposing them to numbers and letters as well as art and basic science. Not only does this prepare them for kindergarten, where they’ll begin to add larger numbers and learn more advanced concepts, but it will also give them confidence in their intelligence.

Preschool is an exceptional setting for engaging your child with academics and friends at an early age. Preschool provides your child with the peer interaction they require as well as the academic stimulation that will pay dividends later in life.

Since 1990, the percentages of three- and four-year-olds enrolled in preprimary programs has grown from 33% and 56%, respectively, to 42% and 68% in 2013, per the National Center for Education Statistics. Clearly, more parents have come to realize that academic preschool programs are highly beneficial for childhood development.

Unfortunately, the truth is that not every preschool is created equal: some have more highly qualified teachers, better resources, and safer environments than others. That’s why parents need to be very diligent when embarking on a preschool search. Because many parents research new preschools during the summer months, we’ve outlined a few things to look for in a new preschool — and a few things you should hope you never see.

What Parents Should Observe In An Academic Preschool Curriculum

• A safe environment: Above all, your child needs to be safe during all preschool education activities. Your choice in preschool should be a secure, healthy environment where students are closely observed at all times.
• A balanced schedule: While a child’s day may be full of different preschool education activities, they should never feel rushed or fatigued by the strenuous pace. They should also not be forced to engage in activities for too long, or else they may easily become bored. An ideal curriculum should help children acquire and build on new skills, gain knowledge, explore their individual interests, interact with others, and achieve goals. This can help them become more independent, creative, and self-confident while fostering a love of learning and attitude of curiosity about the world.
• Teachers who care: Early childhood education teachers can make a world of difference in how children learn throughout the rest of their lives. Teachers need to be nurturing while still expressing clear behavioral limits. Overall, teachers should be highly engaged and passionate about what they do. This attitude will transfer over to the children in their care.

What Parents Should Not See In A Preschool Environment

• Unrealistic developmental expectations: Highly qualified preschool teachers should have an innate understanding of what can be expected from the children in their classroom. While they should encourage independence in certain ways, they should never allow children to take on tasks that could present a danger. Likewise, while the best preschool education activities challenge young children, teachers should have realistic expectations of what young children can and cannot learn at such a young age. If you observe a teacher who doesn’t seem to grasp how to interact with the children they’re teaching, look elsewhere for a preschool program.
• A disorganized or too-rigid classroom: A preschool environment does need to be carefully monitored. Children should not freely wander around without becoming involved in preschool education activities or play indoors without being observed. That said, the environment should not be too rigid, either. Children should be able to explore and play without feeling anxious. It can be a delicate balance, but it’s an important one. If students aren’t being watched — or are watched too carefully — you should consider a preschool with more experienced teachers.
• Inattentive or uninvolved teachers: Above all else, a preschool teacher needs to be involved in what’s going on in their classroom. Most states have regulations about student-teacher ratios for a reason, but without passionate teachers these rules are meaningless. Some teachers may feel they’re above engaging in their students’ playtime or may ignore their behavior. Not only does this not help children learn through play but it could also put them in danger. Teachers also need to actively set clear limits in the classroom. Children need to understand the consequences of certain behaviors. Should you see teachers who are disengaged or who let children run amok during preschool education activities, try another program.

With these classroom do’s and don’ts in mind, parents will be in a much better position to recognize a great preschool environment.

At Learn and Grow Academy, we pride ourselves on providing a safe environment and highly qualified instructors to help students thrive. To find out more, contact us today.

Preschool is typically thought of as the first step towards obtaining a high-quality education. Most parents know that academic preschool programs play a key role in grade school readiness – which is why three-fourths of all children in the U.S. are enrolled in preschool.

If your child is to start preschool this fall, there are a few things you can do to make sure they’re prepared for the preschool education activities they’ll experience. Here are a few points to cover with your child before the first day.

• Personal Hygiene
  Preschool policies may differ on potty-training: some schools require students to be potty-trained, while others do not. However, it’s usually a good idea for children to be at least well on their way to being potty-trained, as it can be stressful to handle bathroom issues on their own for the first time. Your child should also know to wash and dry her hands after using the bathroom. It can help to establish a bathroom routine while still at home and to ask before using the toilet. Make sure they know to cover their noses and mouths when sneezing and coughing, too.
• Separation
  Preschool policies may differ on potty-training: some schools require students to be potty-trained, while others do not. However, it’s usually a good idea for children to be at least well on their way to being potty-trained, as it can be stressful to handle bathroom issues on their own for the first time. Your child should also know to wash and dry her hands after using the bathroom. It can help to establish a bathroom routine while still at home and to ask before using the toilet. Make sure they know to cover their noses and mouths when sneezing and coughing, too.
• Following Directions
  Simple directions are a part of the routine at preschool. If you want to prepare children for this, it may be helpful to work on listening and following requests. These skills will become even more important as they grow up, so getting a head start on them now means they’ll have even higher levels of grade school readiness. They’ll have to put away toys, point to colors and shapes, and go to their cubbies during the school day. By being able to follow these simple instructions, you’ll set them on a successful path.

An excellent preschool program will set your child up for a successful life-long educational experience. Preparing with these tips in mind, your child will be ready to start preschool come fall.