Which Preschool is Best for Your Child?
A great preschool experience can be an enormous head start for a child, setting them up for a love of learning and growth, and fulfilling social relationships rooted in play. However, many parents are surprised to find that preschools can vary enormously in their educational approach, whether that’s with what they teach (curriculum) or how they teach it (pedagogy). Where, when, and why to send a child to preschool can be a difficult decision to make!
Parents may worry about their child’s readiness, or whether they’re disadvantaging them somehow, either by sending them or not sending them. But one way to pose the question is not “preschool or not?” but rather, “what will serve my child best right now?”
IS PRESCHOOL NECESSARY?
First things first: there is seldom any rule that children must be in preschool in order to gain admission to kindergarten. It is also completely possible for a child to succeed happily in their educational careers without ever attending preschool – and many do. (Remember, preschool is relatively new. Did your grandparents attend? Probably not.)
The Learning Policy Institute claims that children who attend preschool are less likely to be identified as having special needs than children who do not. Though some studies find that gains from preschool are only temporary, a meta-study published in the journal Educational Researcher has found that benefits may actually persist for years.
An appropriate and positive preschool experience no doubt provides social and academic advantages, but a negative preschool experience can set children off on the wrong foot. In making your decision, it’s wise to explore the preschool programs in your area, their educational approaches, diversity, discipline approach, philosophy of child development, disposition of teachers (are they happy, calm, confident leaders?). Is the curriculum play centered?
Advantages of Preschool
Preschool teaches children consistency and routine – not to mention adds a little structure to your own life!
Trained and experienced teachers can instill a positive perception of learning, which helps prepare children for school. Your child will also form relationships with other trusted adults and authority figures.
Preschool is a unique opportunity for socialization and friendship-building, which can boost confidence and develop empathy and conflict resolution skills.
A good preschool will provide occasions for new experiences and exploration with peers, which can’t easily be recreated at home.
Finally, preschool can stabilize the home environment and free parents to return to work, recharge, or spend 1:1 time with younger siblings.
Disadvantages of Preschool
Depending on class sizes, your child may not receive the one-on-one time they deserve.
Some children may lack independence or emotional readiness, and may experience separation anxiety that could negatively color their early school experience. Being pushed to learn too early may damage their confidence in their own ability, or confuse them.
Preschool is costly – and not all are created equally.
So, is preschool a good idea? It depends. What will determine the quality of your child’s experience is the fit between their environment and their academic, emotional and social needs. Ultimately, a parent’s job is to weigh up the benefits and drawbacks carefully. Some children love the preschool environment, while others may need a little more time, homeschooling, or part-time preschool arrangements.
PLAY BASED
A preschool that touts their academic focus would be a red flag for me, personally. Here’s why: When we were kids, kindergarten was a half day program that resembled preschool today: lots of play, stories, songs, painting, and an emphasis on following directions and working cooperatively.
Although children’s brains and development have not changed at all, kindergarten curriculums now focus primarily on academics.
The rise in behavioral issues, learning disabilities, occupational therapy referrals, anxiety, chronic illness, and learning intervention services has increased dramatically, while test scores flatline. Pushing academics early does not benefit anyone! When looking for a preschool, I recommend one rooted in play and hands-on learning, that honors childhood.
“The early push in academics has been linked to a decrease in curiosity and creativity - casualties int he rush for knowledge and learning. Young children who attended academic preschools displayed more test anxiety, showed more creativity, and viewed school more negatively than kids who attended play-based preschools.” -Elkins, “Can we Play?”
ACADEMIC PRESCHOOLS MAY DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD
A ten year study - the only randomized controlled trial of a statewide pre-K - tracked 2,990 low-income children from preschool through sixth grade. The findings show the importance of respecting children’s development and their need for PLAY, rather than pushing academics early.
At the end of their first year, the kids who went to pre-K scored higher on school readiness. But after third grade, they were doing worse than the control group. And at the end of sixth grade, they were doing even worse. They had lower test scores, were more likely to be in special education, and were more likely to get into trouble in school, including serious trouble like suspensions.
"Whereas in third grade we saw negative effects on one of the three state achievement tests, in sixth grade we saw it on all three — math, science and reading," says researcher Dale Farran. "In third grade, where we had seen effects on one type of suspension, which is minor violations, by sixth grade we're seeing it on both types of suspensions, both major and minor." {source}
WHICH PRESCHOOL IS BEST FOR MY CHILD?
Regardless of type, a good preschool will provide comprehensive developmental support and properly prepare your child for success in kindergarten and beyond. With so many available choices, though, it can be tricky to know which type is best.
If you want an emphasis on self-directed learning
Montessori style schools and those who teach the Reggio Emilio curriculum are designed to respect your child’s innate curiosity and drive. They’re ideal for hands-on learning where the teacher acts in a facilitatory rather than authoritarian role. Montessori teachers are highly trained and your child will have access to immersive, tactile materials and a fun classroom environment that fosters independent exploration.
The Reggio Emilio curriculum is similarly experience-based, and the teachers take their cue from students, allowing curriculum themes to emerge naturally. Students are encouraged to follow their passions and interests, as well as collaborate with different aged peers. Both programs are ideal for inquisitive, independent personalities, but can also encourage less confident children to find their feet.
If you want a more holistic approach
Learning is not just about academics. Some preschool methods focus on helping children cultivate their creativity and curiosity, and include the whole child in a range of activities for body, mind and soul. Preschools that use the Bank Street curriculum, for example, center play as the primary learning activity, and mixed-age classes explore a wide range of activities designed to support emotional, physical, intellectual and social development. The Waldorf School similarly includes hands-on, “real world” activities such as cooking, storytelling, music, crafts and imaginative play to create a love for learning.
If you want a comprehensive focus on academics
Some children will thrive with a highly structured daily routine and plenty of academic skill-building. If properly encouraged, preschool aged children are perfectly primed to absorb enormous amounts of information and master basic competencies. The HighScope Program is a popular preschool approach that is known for its “Play, Do, Review” style of teaching. Kids first engage in a play activity, then independently work to achieve their goals, and end by actively reviewing their progress. While this approach may be too much pressure for some children, for others the structure and stimulation may be just right.
Some schools may offer an eclectic blend of several approaches, so don’t be afraid to ask in-depth questions and do your research before making a decision. Other schools will have their own unique approach, or center teaching around religious values. And if your focus is specifically on helping your child acquire a new language, for example, it may be worth selecting a school that teaches exclusively in that language, i.e. a language immersion school.
Even though a school looks right on paper, however, the ultimate test is often the atmosphere and feel of the environment. You know your child best – trust your intuition as a parent and you’ll choose the best spot for them.