Preschools and daycares have a tremendous impact on your child's life. After all, the majority of your child's waking hours will be spent with this new caregiver. Therefore, it is important that the school or individual you pick has certain features that will benefit the child.
The hardest decision I ever made was putting my child in a daycare school facility. After I came to terms with my decision, I have seen and experienced it all ranging from neglect caregivers to bad teaching.
Here are the essentials to look for when choosing a preschool environment.
Promotes Language and Literacy Development
Your first response might be that my child is a baby so what difference does this make? Research shows that reading skills are developed in infancy. Therefore, you want a preschool that exhibits language rich atmosphere. You don't want a school that drills the kids on ABC's, but instead sings songs, tells stories, talks with the children and have endless books and writing utensils available. It is essential that the adults in the program talk regularly with the children.
Children need to develop the skills of talking and reading and relating. Make sure the preschool you choose gives them that opportunity.
A nicely designed preschool area
Schools need to provide a lot of space for preschoolers. Rooms should be divided into various interest areas such as art, homeliving, music, water table, reading, etc.
A daily routine
I can not stress enough how important a daily schedule and routine is. Kids need schedules to function. Even at home, your child should be on a schedule. By providing regular schedules such as circle time, art time, clean-up time, outside time, naptime, etc, kids know what is expected and will behave better. They also learn the art of transitioning which is imperative to know in life.
Happy teachers
If you notice that the teachers are grouchy or unhappy being there, then more than likely that will transfer to your children. Teaching should be a passion-make sure the teachers have that passion. It helps your child feel secure. If your child is secure, they will learn.
Communication
The program you choose should offer daily communication between the parents and teacher. You should know how your child's day went as well as what they did all day. This can be done through letters home, conversations at pick up or just knowing your teacher outside of the school. It is essential for the security issue as well as the learning process.
Curriculum
Yes, every school should have a curriculum that varies from day to day. Good programs include music time, story times, language development, pretend play, social interactions, etc. Make sure to ask about the curriculum
Studies have shown that kids in preschool programs have had a higher success rate in school along with higher graduation rates. Don't get down for having to put your child in school, just research and make sure you are choosing the right school.
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