When a child is between the ages of 1 and 3, it’s natural for parents to start thinking about prekindergarten: How soon is too soon? How can you know when they’re ready? What options are available – and what are the good prekindergarten near me?
How To Know When Your Child Is Ready For Prekindergarten
Most children are ready for prekindergarten between the ages of 2 and 3, but not all 2 to 3-year-olds develop in the same way at the same time. Here are some additional signs that your child is ready for this next step.
Your Child Is Potty-Trained And Can Accomplish Basic Tasks By Themselves
Prekindergarten can teach children many things, but certain skills are assumed to be already mastered before they start. This includes using the bathroom with little to no assistance, washing their hands, and eating their lunches.
Your Child Doesn’t Have Separation Anxiety
In the early years, parents and children are inseparable. But as the child ages, a natural separation and degree of independence are fostered. A good way to tell if your child can handle being separated from you for a few hours of prekindergarten is to see how they do with a babysitter. This could be in the form of daycare or being cared for by a relative. Kids who are used to being apart from their parents for short periods of time will likely do well with being in prekindergarten during the day.
Even if your child hasn’t been away from you for very long, prekindergarten can still be an option. It’s not unusual for pre-k to be the first time many children are separated from their parents. This is an appropriate developmental challenge, and they tend to do just fine.
Your Child Can Work On Projects By Themselves
Does your child enjoy coloring or other arts and crafts projects? If they can do these things just fine on their own at home, they can do it in prekindergarten as well.
Your Child Enjoys Group Activities
The prekindergarten classroom involves many children plus a teacher (and perhaps a teacher’s aide). Activities can include “circle time” and participating in a game, learning songs, listening to stories, and more. If your child regularly interacts with siblings or neighborhood peers, chances are they will thrive in the social environment that prekindergarten offers.
Your Child Already Follows A Regular Schedule
The classroom environment follows a predictable routine, with activities such as snack time, stories, playing outside, music, arts and crafts, lunch, and naptime. Kids tend to feel more in control when they can expect the same activities to occur at the same time every day. Chances are, your child already follows a similar routine at home: breakfast, helping with dishes, brief TV time, nap time, playing outside, dinner time, bath time, etc. The schedule of activities in prekindergarten will be easy for them to follow.
Prekindergarten Near You In South Florida
Think your child is ready for prekindergarten? Consider Parkland Academy, a daycare and preschool where your child can learn valuable skills to set them on a path for life.
In addition to prekindergarten, we also offer after-school care, summer camps, and more. Parkland Academy has the distinguished reputation of being selected for the 2022 Best of Parkland Award in the early education category.
If your child is ready to attend one of south Florida’s most reputable preschools, call 954-688-5877 today.