Making Sure Your Child Has A Great Education

Posted on: 18 August 2022

Are you searching for the perfect preschool program? The private preschool you choose for your child should meet your young learner's needs and fit within the framework of your family's educational ideals. What exactly should this mean for you and your child? If you're not sure which pre-k is the right match for your creative kid, mini math master, bookworm, or active learner, take a look at the questions to ask right now.

How Much Individual Attention Does Your Child Need?

Every child needs some individual attention. But they don't all need the same amount. Does your child thrive when they have near-constant conversations or feel more comfortable when you're nearby to talk them through an activity? If your child does better in one-on-one situations, look for a preschool with a low child-to-staff ratio or lower total classroom enrollment number.

What Type of Educational Philosophy Is Important To Your Family?

You don't need a Ph.D. in child development to learn about educational theories or philosophies. Even though you might not know the names of specific philosophies, you may already have ideas about what your child's education should look like. These could include hands-on learning, literacy-centered lessons, a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) strategy, or another approach.

Ask your child's potential pre-k director or the educational staff about the program and the educational philosophies or strategies they use. Explain your goals and discuss whether they match up or fit with the pre-k's curriculum and the type of instructional methods they regularly use.

Does Your Child Enjoy A Specific Subject or Content Area?

Perhaps your mini Monet would paint all day if you let them. But the preschool program you just toured barely includes art in the curriculum. This type of mismatch won't benefit your child. While you don't need to choose a center that focuses every activity on your child's primary area of interest, the curriculum or daily lessons should include at least some of this type of content. 

What Type of Discipline Strategies Do You Believe In?

Preschoolers aren't masters of their emotions. Between the ages of three and five, young children are building emotional identification, regulation, and expression skills. Along with emotional development, preschoolers are still in the process of increasing their vocabulary and learning how to communicate effectively.

Without the ability to fully control and express their emotions, young students may act out in class or have behavioral issues that the teacher will need to address. The way the teacher addresses these issues should match your preferred discipline methods. Ideally, the teacher should create a positive environment that reinforces wanted or preferred behaviors. Instead of harsh words, the educator should focus on helping the children to build emotional regulation and communication abilities.

To learn more, visit a local private preschool in your area such as Royal Academy.