One of the most important decisions a parent must make is what school to send their child to. Parents want to give their children the highest quality education possible. How do you find an outstanding academic program, though? Here are the five main things to look for in a preschool:
Student and Teacher Moods
One of the main signs of an outstanding school is the outward moods of the students and teachers. When you visit a preschool you are potentially considering, pay attention to the emotions displayed on the faces of the students and teacher. Is everyone happy, relaxed, and engaged in what they are doing? Signs of stress and frustration could be a red flag for underlying problems such as disorganization and staff over-scheduling.
Teacher Engagement
Another thing to pay close attention to is how the teacher engages with their students. Does the teacher talk down to the students in a disrespectful manner? Or does the teacher try to communicate with children at their eye level with kindness and understanding? Teachers who are good role models for communication and respect will encourage the children they serve to develop the same habits when interacting with others.
Calm and Independent Designed Environment
A calm environment is one of the most critical things to look for in a preschool classroom. Many children are sensitive to overstimulation. It can be hard to learn effectively when surrounded by chaos and endless distractions. Look for classrooms that are decorated with minimal clutter.
High-quality classrooms are also built in a way that encourages independence. Children should be able to easily access shelves, supplies, sinks, and toilets. Chairs should be tailored to fit their size. This encourages them to learn how to take responsibility and make decisions without asking for help every time they need something.
Clear Communication
High-quality preschools should have clear and open lines of communication between parents and children. Look for wall signs and bulletin boards throughout the school that displays pertinent information. Ask if the school uses emails, online apps, or text messages to communicate with parents.
Open-Ended Materials
High-quality preschools provide students with materials that help them learn in multiple open-ended ways. These materials are things such as art supplies, blocks, dress-up clothes, and boxes. These items encourage creativity, imagination, problem-solving, and decision making.
These skills can help drastically improve a child’s literacy and cognitive skills. From 1993 to 2012, the percentage of children aged three to six years old drastically improved in cognitive and literacy skills. The overall percentage of children who were able to correctly recognize all the alphabet letters rose from 21% to 38%. The number of children able to count to 20 or higher rose from 52% to 68% and the ability to write their own names increased from 50% to 58%.
While there are many things to look for in a preschool, choosing the right academic preschool curriculum can be made easier by following these five above tips. Spotting the signs of a high-quality program will ensure your child gets the best education possible. Your child will thrive in an environment that gives them plenty of opportunities to learn and grow.