Parents who want their children to have the highest quality preschool available should search for a school that balances emotional and social development with academics. The National Scientific Council on the Developing Child has reported that the quality of a child’s early childhood education is directly related to their long-term success in school and life.
The education a child receives during their preschool years will not only affect their level of success in elementary school, but will affect the child for the rest of their life. As children approach kindergarten age, most parents look to proficiency in mathematics and reading to measure their child’s readiness for school, but they also look at factors such as maturity, confidence, general happiness and independence. It is easy for parents to take these important attributes for granted, but social-emotional development is even more important for future success than academics. These attributes must be taught during the child’s first five years to provide the child with a firm foundation to succeed beyond the classroom.
From Neurons to Neighborhoods, a report released by the National Research Council in 2000, concluded that the wiring for learning readiness and feelings is in each child before they are born. Development in every part of the body and brain is very rapid from birth until age five. Guidance and careful attention to each child’s social-emotional development before they are five helps them develop resilience, strength and compassion that will help them handle opportunities and challenges throughout their lives.
Learning letters and numbers is important, but there is much more to a quality preschool education. Preschool is the time that the foundation is being laid for each child’s future in school and life. Character development should be a main focus during the preschool years so that children become well-rounded adults who are prepared for learning as well as enjoying life. A good understanding of concepts like honesty, friendship and generosity will serve each child well throughout their lives.
Look for a preschool program that balances child-initiated play, academic curriculum, social-emotional development and teacher instruction.
High quality teachers, staff and faculty are essential elements of a high-quality preschool. High standards, passionate people and a proven curriculum help children reach their full potential. Curriculum should be purposeful and carefully chosen for each stage of development, from birth to five years of age. This curriculum should carefully balance physical, emotional, academic and social learning at a level that is age appropriate. Opportunities for teacher-directed activities as well as child-initiated activities should be available to the children each day. It is important for students to be evaluated by their teachers continuously so that their instruction is always purposeful and meaningful. Teachers who carefully evaluate each child on a daily basis will be equipped to understand the child’s learning experience and tailor the curriculum to suit the child. Anything is possible for each child when they have the right foundation.
About the Guest Author
Submitted by Dan Gilbert on behalf of Primrose day care. Primrose embeds character development into their day care curriculum at an early age, building a foundation for success. Dan has written a number of articles on topics varying from bilingual learning to teaching the importance of volunteering.
Image credit: FamilyMRW on Flickr
