For today’s post, we wanted to discuss the benefits of an early childhood preschool program.
So let’s get to it:
1. Opportunity for growth
This means that it is a chance for children to be exposed to a new learning environment that they may not have had previous experience with. It also provides preschoolers the opportunities to develop and learn problem-solving skills in ways that they may not have previously had to and to learn how to find answers to their own questions.
2. Preparation for Kindergarten
Most kindergarten teachers would agree that you can tell the difference between the children who attended preschool before entering kindergarten and those who haven’t (if their preschool program is good). Preschool not only prepares children for the academic skills they need in their school years but also provides them with the essential social development that comes with a classroom setting through an emphasis on learning through play. As an added bonus to the social and emotional development that occurs, many preschools may also help children develop foundational literacy and numeracy skills.
3. Promotion of Social and Emotional Development
Children learn to become more comfortable with their attachment to their parents and decrease their separation anxiety before kindergarten. Preschool also teaches children essential self-regulation, self-control, and communication skills. Preschool can also help children develop the confidence they need to be successfully independent in smaller tasks as they get older.
4. Introduction of Structure
The environment is intrinsically structured, basically, there are rules of conduct that are known and expected to be followed to encourage positive interaction between students. A variety of activities can occur within these parameters, but in general, the scheduled nature of preschool can be healthy for children in terms of getting used to routines that they may not have had prior to entering preschool.
5. Choices
Just because there is structure doesn’t mean there isn’t a choice. Children are still faced with problem-solving activities and are given control and option within activities which helps them develop self-esteem and confidence in their abilities. The presence of choices also ties back into the first item on this list which was the opportunity for growth. Choice allows children to find answers for themselves but also to explore and develop their own interests. Preschool programs that are set up to encourage inquiry and child-centered learning help facilitate these choices in meaningful ways.
6. Independence
Children learn to take care of themselves and be less reliant on parents in a preschool setting. They also learn to empathize with peers and help take care of each other. Independence can be another key skill that helps prepare children for kindergarten. It can increase confidence and help make the transition smoother in some cases.
7. Language and Cognitive Skills
This is one of the big ones. Preschool programs help children develop essential reading, writing, memory, problem-solving, and other cognitive skills. This development ties into their preparation for kindergarten. In some cases, preschool programs may also offer programming with a second language, such as French, as part of the day as well.
8. Curiosity
This is one of our favourites at Parkland Players. Curiosity is about wanting to learn and a good preschool program encourages children to think on their own, set their own goals, ask questions, look for answers and enjoy the whole process of discovery. Curiosity is the foundation for life-long and positive interactions with learning, which is what we strive for all students to have.
9. Pre-math and Literacy Skills
Tied to language and cognitive skills. Preschool programs help children build the foundation for learning math and literacy skills in kindergarten. This can include things like an introduction to letters, numbers, shapes, and simple math operations. Children may be exposed to writing letters, words, and their names, and practicing letter sounds.
10. Motor Skills
Play helps children develop gross motor skills. Preschool programs can also help develop fine motor skills like writing and pencil grip movements. Good preschool programs incorporate physical activity and outdoor play into their daily programming with also adds to the development of motor skills as well as overall physical health.
Source: Why Preschool
Additional Source: Why Preschool is important for your child