Preschool is an early childhood curriculum where children integrate playing with learning in a program managed by experienced adults.
Parents or guardians can typically enroll their children between the ages of 3 and 5 in preschool. Nonetheless, it’s not uncommon to find two-year-olds in the same program.
Preschools differ from traditional daycare services in that they focus on development and learning rather than just motivating parents to engage in their regular activities.
Description
Until 1960, the responsibility of educating young children rested primarily on the shoulders of families within a home. As of 2004, several young children in the US are away from their parents.
A record in 2001 showed that 52% of children between three and four years of age enrolled in preschool programs and nursery schools.
The rate of enrollment for four-year-olds that year was almost the same as the rate for five-year-olds in 1970.
Countless factors could cause this remarkable change. The changes also noticed include an increase in the figures of moms working away from home, a decrease in the number of people in families, and a fast-growing need to send children off to school very early.
It was also noticed that more children whose parents are literate and earn higher are likely to attend preschool.
The connection holds strong despite the increasing support from governmental bodies for programs channeled toward kids in low-income families.
Besides being known as preschool, other names include daycare, child care, and nursery school. They operate differently in terms of setting, educational philosophy, and format. The nursery program may meet half-day, all day, every day, or a few days a week.
A church could also support them, run them for profit, or operate them as a non-profit. They could also be part of a federal government program or the public school system.
Classification of Preschool Programs
Private Preschools: These bodies operate as independent non-profits, for-profits, and programs financed by religious organizations. While the gap is small, some private preschools have claimed most enrollment since 2001. The quality of service some preschools offer differs from one program to another.
Public Preschools: An increasing number of states have begun financing preschool programs provided by public schools, which are referred to as pre-K or pre-kindergarten programs. The state government may arrange these programs, which are then administered by independent contractors and local school boards.
Many preschool programs run by the state started as Head Start and tended to kids with special needs. This included children from low-income settings or children with disabilities. In the 2000s, state-owned pre-kindergarten programs attended to children with limited English language proficiency, disabilities, or teen parents.
Head Start: The federal Head Start program has offered tuition-free education for children since 1965. This included young children from low-income families across the US. By 2000, Head Start programs served about 11% of children between three and four years old.
Currently, Head Start has over 900,000 children enrolled under it, at a cost of about $7,000 per child. The 50 states in the United States have Head Start programs that provide a selection of formats, including half-day and all-day programs.
Qualities of Preschool
As stated by the National Institute for Early Education Research, the level of teaching activities and classes that add to the quality of early education for young children include:
- Focusing on literacy and language skills
- Improving listening skills
- Engage in scientific processing and information skills
- Assists children in expanding their knowledge and maximizing their vocabulary
- Improves children’s problem-solving skills
- Promote educational programs in which parents or guardians are given opportunities to get involved by participating in their children’s class activities.
- Gives preschoolers access to art, music, and dramatic play
- Focusing on teaching mathematics and early literacy through a series of projects and activities
The Upsides of Preschool
Several kids who attend highly rated preschools are said to have better lives. Children get the necessary experience to excel in life at a young age.
Studies have also shown that quality preschool programs improve behavior, achievement, and readiness for whatever the economy throws.
Further studies on these kids proved they make more money, become more reliable, have more stable homes, and are more responsible citizens.
This is because preschoolers are well-equipped to start kindergarten, both socially and academically. A good preschool program can encourage children to develop their communication and language skills, motor skills, and creativity.
The Downside of Preschool
Studies have shown that the most significant social and academic progress experienced in preschool is seen in kids from deprived classes.
Nonetheless, very few programs are developed to deliver beneficial programs to kids. Most of the time, the cost of maintaining a quality program can be higher than that of some public universities.
Some preschools emphasize groups, meaning most kids don’t get the individual observation they require.
Playing with other kids is usually restricted to clubs, churches, and other outlets that encourage social exposure.
Several preschools look forward to having a child enrolled to be toilet-trained, a feat that most children are yet to achieve during the program.
Separation anxiety is another complication that comes with starting a child in preschool. This indicates that the kids aren’t ready to transition into the program.
The Takeaway
Parents who are looking to enroll their children in preschool should understand the red flags associated with different preschool providers.
These complications may include:
- Opposing reactions from other guidance or parents
- Unsafe, dirty facilities
- Bigger class spaces
- Expired license
- Less qualified staff
- Absence of age-appropriate toys and activities
- Disregarding established rules and regulations.
- There are no policies for children who fall sick in preschool.
Parents who are planning on taking their children to preschool should take the time to review several options and consider some factors before enrolling their kids.
Nevertheless, parents must also be aware that despite the numerous advantages, not all children are cut out for preschool.
This is because there are other ways of instituting early social activities and academic skills.
