During the preschool years, children experience rapid physical, social, cognitive, and emotional growth. Preschool programs are specifically designed to nurture young minds and bodies and instill a love for learning while helping them develop essential skills that are vital to their success as adults.
With preschool programs playing such a pivotal role in a child’s future success, parents realize that the preschool they choose must prioritize safety while providing a structured, inclusive, and nurturing environment where their child can explore, discover, and grow in confidence. By understanding what a good quality preschool program offers, parents will be able to make the right choice.
What Preschoolers Learn At Preschool
When it comes to early childhood education, a good preschool program is the foundation of a child’s growth and development. There are five key areas that a good preschool program will focus on:
- Physical development
- Cognitive development
- Social and emotional development
- Sensory and motor development
- Language and communication skills
Physical Development
It is during the preschool years that the child develops physical strength and muscle control, so outdoor play, is a vital component of a preschool education program. Preschools should incorporate activities encouraging children to expand their physical abilities and explore.
Gross motor skills like coordination, balance, and strength are developed by activities like:
- Running
- Jumping
- Climbing
- Dancing
Fine motor skills involve hand-eye coordination and dexterity, and are developed through activities like:
- Drawing
- Cutting with scissors
- Playing with building blocks
Cognitive Development
Cognitive development is where a child develops the ability to think, learn, and problem-solve. A good preschool program will encourage curiosity and a love of learning while stimulating critical thinking and creativity.
The following cognitive milestones are developed with a good curriculum:
- Problem-solving – children are challenged to think critically and explore various solutions with activities like puzzles, games, and building projects.
- Numeracy and literacy – these skills are encouraged and nurtured through counting games, storytelling, and letter recognition games.
- Creative thinking – the creative potential is developed through art, music, and imaginative play.
A good preschool program places a high value on creating a supportive and inclusive environment where children learn to manage emotions and build relationships. Social and emotional development is essential for the child’s future success in interpersonal relationships. The program should focus on building:
- Social skills – group activities and collaborative activities teach children to share, take turns, and work as a team
- Emotional regulation – children learn to identify and manage their feelings through supervised interaction with peers and other adults.
- Building confidence – by encouraging children to participate, and celebrating their achievements, they develop self-esteem and a sense of competence.
Sensory And Motor Development
The integration of sensory input with physical movements is essential to a child’s ability to interact with the environment. This is achieved by activities that include:
- Sensory activities like sand and water play, texture boards, and sensory bins. These activities help children process various sensory inputs.
- Motor integration – combining movement with sensory stimulation enhances coordination and spatial awareness. This is achieved with activities like dancing to music and obstacle courses.
Language And Communication Skills
A crucial aspect of preschool education is language development. Exposing a child to a language-rich environment early supports literacy and sets them up for academic success. There are three aspects to language and communication skill development namely:
- Vocabulary building – through storytime, songs, and intentional conversation
- Listening skills – children practice attentive listening through group discussions and activities where they need to follow directions.
- Expressive language – group activities, pretend play, and sharing stories encourage children to express themselves confidently.
Seven Things To Look For In A Preschool Program
Where you send your child to preschool is not a decision to be made lightly, as these are the years where critical life skills are developed.
With so many choices and preschools claiming to be better than others, it’s imperative to know exactly what to look for. The following seven aspects should help to narrow down the options:
- Location, hours, and cost
- Licensing
- Caregiver and teacher qualifications
- Curriculum
- Safety and hygiene
- Class size and ratios
- Communication
1. Location, Hours And Cost
Before looking at potential preschool prospects, you need to know your preschool budget. Eliminating schools that do not match your budget from your list, will help to narrow down your search.
The ideal preschool must also fit into your lifestyle. Ensuring that the preschool is easily accessible and open when you need your child to be dropped off and picked up (especially if you will be fetching and carrying before and after work) is another important factor to consider.
2. Licensing
The preschool you choose must be licensed in Florida. The Florida Department Of Children And Families ensures that the school adheres to all the necessary rules and regulations that govern preschools.
3. Caregiver And Teacher Qualifications
It is essential for all teachers and caregivers who will have access to your child must be properly trained and have the right credentials. They must also have the necessary knowledge and experience to nurture and teach a child of preschool age.
4. Curriculum
Always review the preschool school’s curriculum before deciding to enroll your child. A good curriculum will incorporate play-based learning and have a balance of social, academic, and emotional aspects.
5. Safety And Hygiene
Schedule a visit to the facility to ensure that it is a hygienic, safe, and secure environment for a preschooler. While on the tour, take note of whether the environment feels welcoming, stimulating, and inclusive. Also, observe for signs of general cleanliness and good hygiene practices. Ask about:
- How often the facility is cleaned and what cleaning materials are used. Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathroom areas.
Safety must be your top priority. Inquire about:
- The protocols in place in the event of an emergency.
- The safety measures that are in place to prevent burns, accidental poisoning, falls, and injuries.
- If all staff on site are trained in pediatric CPR.
- How are the entry and exit points protected? How are unauthorized individuals prevented from entering the premises?
- Are all toys and equipment non-toxic and in good condition?
6. Class Size And Ratio
Small classes and low child-teacher ratios encourage better interaction and individualized attention. A win-win situation for both the child and the teacher.
7. Communication
Choose a preschool that prioritizes teacher-parent communication. The school must provide regular updates on your child’s progress and developmental milestones, and encourage open lines of communication at all times.
Parkland Children’s Academy, Preschool Programs Of Choice In Broward County
Choosing the right preschool is one of the most important decisions a parent makes. Parkland Children’s Academy is more than just a preschool. We are a family-oriented community, with qualified and experienced teachers, dedicated to nurturing young minds while fostering creativity, curiosity, and essential social skills.
Call us at (954) 688-5877 to schedule a tour of our facility and see firsthand why Parkland Children’s Academy is the school where children lay essential foundations for future success.