Things To Consider When Deciding Between Preschool Programs And Child Care
When children turn three or four years old, parents need to decide whether to put them into a preschool to help them get ready for kindergarten and elementary school. If the child is already going to a child care center or day care, they may already be getting the same type of education they would get at a preschool program, depending on the requirements in your state.
Child Care Needs
Preschool child care programs typically run for a couple hours to a full school day and may meet two or three days per week or every day depending on the program. If both parents work full time, it may be more convenient to have your child in a preschool child care program so you'll have someone taking care of the child for the whole day and during school holidays and summers. Otherwise, you'll need to arrange for both a preschool program and child care for when the child isn't in preschool.
Preferred Setting
Consider the type of setting you want for your child. Public preschool programs are often held in elementary schools, getting children used to the elementary school they may be going to attend. Private preschools can be similar to childcare centers in set up, while at home daycare providers allow for a smaller group of children in a home atmosphere.
Type of Education
Preschool children aren't typically ready for sitting in desks for a long time being taught new things, they tend to do better with more hands-on activities and the chance to move around from activity to activity. However, this doesn't mean that they won't be learning important skills in preschool. They learn some of the necessary social skills for school, as well as letters, numbers, colors, shapes, and how to draw and cut. They learn how to share and how to do a number of self-care activities, such as how to put on their outerwear and how to wash their hands. Different preschool programs may use different learning systems, such as the Waldorf method or the Montessori Method.
Other Considerations
Whichever type of preschool you choose, make sure that it is accredited and safe. While the laws vary by state, child care providers often need to be licensed. The preschool should be clean and the instructors and children should look like they're enjoying themselves. Ask about the discipline policies, how children are evaluated for progress, and how the school communicates with parents. Most of all, think about whether the preschool or child care center looks like a place where your child would be happy and fit in.
