What Is Pre-K / Preschool Education?
Preschool refers to an early-childhood educational class for 3, 4, and 5 year olds. A child care center with experienced, well-trained teachers and stimulating activities offers kids advantages. In fact, many preschools are part of child care programs. Here at Great Day Child Care Learning Center, we offer this program.
“There’s increasing evidence that children gain a lot from going to preschool,” says Kathleen McCartney, PhD, dean of Harvard Graduate School of Education in Cambridge, Massachusetts. “At preschool, they become exposed to numbers, letters, and shapes. And, more important, they learn how to socialize, get along with other children, share, and contribute to circle time.”
Every child should have some sort of group experience before he starts kindergarten. What preschools do that less formal classes don’t is teach kids how to be students. Your child will learn how to raise her hand, take turns, and share the teacher’s attention. What’s more, she’ll learn how to separate from Mommy and Daddy. All of this makes for an easier transition to kindergarten.
Kindergarten teachers will tell you that the students who are ready to learn are those who come into school with good social and behavior-management skills.
In addition to strengthening socialization skills, how to compromise, be respectful of others, and problem-solve, preschool provides a place where your child can gain a sense of self, explore, play with their peers, and build confidence. Young children can certainly learn letters and numbers, but to sit kids down and ‘teach’ them is the wrong way to do it. They learn best through doing the kinds of activities they find interesting. Keep in mind that for small children, school is all about having fun and acquiring social skills, not achieving academic milestones. Kids need to be imaginative and to socialize. Childhood experts agree: attending a high-quality program prepares kids for kindergarten and beyond.
Great Day Child Care Learning Center at 14810 Madison Road in Middlefield, Ohio offers both preschool education and child care. We teach with creative learning programs. Consider a visit as you prepare for your child’s preschool experience. Give your child the advantage that they need.
Gary L. Cox
President, Great Day Child Care
