Learn how to find a preschool that fits the needs of your child and family
When I speak to parents who are beginning their preschool journey, many already have an idea of what they’re looking for and the benefits of enrolling the child in a high-quality preschool.
Well-designed preschool education programs have been shown to produce long-term improvements in school success, including higher achievement test scores, lower rates of grade repetition and special education, and higher educational attainment.
They are also associated with reduced delinquency and crime in childhood and adulthood, according to the National Institute for Early Education Research.
So how do you find a well-designed preschool that fits the needs of your child and your family?
At the Early Childhood Learning Center in Fullerton, we believe that each child is unique and that finding the right preschool for them is about knowing what’s important to you and your family. Here is our guide for choosing a preschool that checks all of your boxes.
Find a program that focuses on the whole child
A preschool that implements a holistic curriculum understands that early education is more than academics. This approach prioritizes the enrichment of not only academic skills but also social-emotional well-being, cognitive development, physical health and proficiency in core subjects like literacy, mathematics and science.
By embracing the whole-child approach, educators create an environment where a child’s natural curiosity is encouraged and nurtured, fostering a passion for discovery and lifelong learning. This approach proves especially beneficial during the transition from preschool to kindergarten.
At the Early Childhood Learning Center, children are offered opportunities to practice mindfulness and yoga, garden, care for school pets, celebrate seasonal and cultural holidays, cook and engage in undirected play, in addition to activities catered for academic preparation like pre-reading, literacy, mathematics and science.
Seek out a warm and inviting community
As you visit preschools, take note of how people greet you upon arrival. Do the teachers and staff welcome you with genuine warmth and enthusiasm, or do they seem hesitant or distant? This initial interaction can provide insight into the overall atmosphere of the school and how your family will be treated after enrollment. A welcoming environment where families feel valued and respected sets the stage for a positive and supportive preschool experience.
Also ask about opportunities for family involvement. Are parents encouraged to participate in special events, volunteer in the classroom or join in celebrations? Is there an open-door policy that allows families to visit and engage with the preschool community without prior notice? The very best preschools make you feel like they want you to be there and won’t seem like they have anything to hide.
Look for thoughtfully designed spaces
Quality preschools create environments that are designed with the needs and interests of young learners in mind. This includes features like low shelving and child-sized furniture, ensuring that materials are easily accessible to children, promoting autonomy and fostering confidence in their abilities to engage with learning materials independently.
Look for a layout that includes designated spaces for pretend play, quiet reading corners stocked with age-appropriate books, art centers equipped with a variety of art supplies and sensory play areas that promote exploration. Writing and math centers provide opportunities for children to develop hands-on early literacy and numeracy skills.
The outdoor environment of a preschool plays a vital role in children’s development. Outdoor play spaces encourage physical activity and the development of gross motor skills. Seek out a preschool with a peaceful playground that offers a variety of outdoor play equipment designed to challenge children safely, like slides and climbing structures to bicycles and age-appropriate monkey bars.
Moreover, outdoor play spaces offer children the chance to explore nature, fostering a deeper connection with the environment and promoting a sense of stewardship for the world around them.
The Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) at Temple Beth Tikvah in Fullerton is perched in a quiet residential hilltop neighborhood. Here, your preschooler will thrive in our secure, creative, peaceful environment where exploration, nurture, academic enrichment and discovery are at the heart of everything we do.
Learn more about the Early Childhood Learning Center at www.tbt-eclc.org or schedule a tour by calling (714) 871-9555
By Rachel White: Director, Early Childhood Learning Center in Fullerton
Leave a Reply