Its school enrollment time for the next school year. This
can be a very stressful time for parents: finding the right school for your
child and your family can be difficult, as there are many factors to take into
account.
In this post, I summarize what a preschool is, the
difference between preschool and daycare, what your children learn in preschool
and what parents should look for when deciding on a program. I hope this post
is helpful and makes this process less confusing and stressful for you.
Preschool, in MA, starts at the age 2 years 9 months.
This is a state regulation, set by the MA Department of Early Education and
Care. However, some schools have infant and toddler programs that begin at a
much earlier age. At 2 years 9 months, most children are ready to leave home
for a set amount of time, at least a few days a week.
Preschool programs are structured around a set amount of
time. Our program has the options for a morning program, 9:00am – 12:00pm, an
afternoon program, from 12:00pm – 3:00pm, and a full day program from 9:00am –
3:00pm. Most preschools also offer care, before school and after school. We
offer unlimited before school and afterschool care, with children currently
enrolled from 7:45am – 5:00pm. Many schools, including EMH, offer additional
programs, such as enrichment, music and health education.
This structured program is the main difference between
daycares and preschools.
Daycares and preschools both provide care that meets the
developmental needs of your child, which includes your child’s social, mental,
emotional and physical needs. In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, your child
does not have to be potty trained to start in either program (in some other
states, your child may have to be potty trained to start at some preschools).
However, many daycares lack the structured program that
preschools offer. Because of this, they are able to be opened longer – some
programs even offer overnight care.
The preschool environment is usually more structured than
in a daycare. This structured environment acquaints you child with the set
schedule and the learning process. Children become familiar with the school day
and the expectations of a classroom. Furthermore,
because children quickly learn the routine and expectations of a school, they
are able to gain a sense of independence and become more confident.
In each school, the program begins at a set time. The
children are expected to arrive on time, every day, as each day’s activities
are planned in advance to encompass all areas of development: physical health,
wellness and movement skills; social and emotional skills; approaches to
learning; thinking abilities and general knowledge; and communication, language
and literacy skills. The children know that there is a set time for all
activities, what is expected of them during each activity, and how to
transition from one activity to the next. Most importantly, because the learning
experience is made fun, children develop a love of learning that stays with
them.
When looking for schools, it is important that you visit each
prospective school, and see how the program curriculum is implemented. Ask yourself,
Are the children enjoying the learning process? And, do the teachers look happy
to be there? Remember, the preschool teacher will be your child’s first
introduction to school. Your child’s teacher can have a major impact on how
your child does in school. You also want to make sure the school certified and
the teachers experienced and qualified. In MA, all schools are required to post
all certifications in an area that is easily accessible to parents.
Additionally, all schools are different. You need to
understand the school’s policies and find the one that is the best fit for your
family. This includes the school’s hours of operation, tuition, environment and
learning methodology. EMH is a Montessori school, with a carefully structured
learning environment and specific learning method.
Preschool education at an early age gives your child a
sense of independence and the ability to adjust to a learning environment. A
good quality preschool teaches your child how to learn, which is extremely
important. Children need to have a solid foundation, be able to use this
foundation innovatively and be able to continuously learn in order to succeed.
If you have any addition questions, please feel free to
leave a comment. I will respond to all comments as soon as I am able.
