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Preschools are more than just an alternative to daycare. As a matter of fact, children who attend preschools are more likely to succeed as adults and live healthier lifestyles.

According to the University of Michigan, children who were enrolled in preschool had higher salaries 25 years later compared to those who did not attend preschool. Additionally, up to 25% of at-risk teenagers are more likely to drop out of high school if they are not exposed to an academic preschool curriculum as a child.

But why does getting a high quality education at a young age have such a significant effect later in life?

Children typically exhibit personality traits within their first few hours of life. However, these traits can be shaped and changed during early childhood. Ultimately, children who attend preschool have a social advantage over children who do not attend preschool. Let’s look at a couple reasons why:

Academic preschool programs help your child learn to make friends
Children who attend preschool are given an entire school year to learn social cues, including how to make friends laugh, how to make them cry, how to make them angry, how to get along with them, etc. Children who don’t attend preschool, on the other hand, must wait until kindergarten to learn how to interact with their peers. Interacting with family is different than interacting with peers, and peer-to-peer interaction is essential at this stage in your child’s life.

Preschool engages your child’s mind
Children’s brains act as sponges for information. Before the modern day, this allowed them to learn survival skills to stay safe from predators. The earlier your child learns, the easier the information will be for them to retain. That is why it’s so important to begin teaching your child multiple languages at a young age, for instance.

Preschool academics help your child get a leg up in the academic world by exposing them to numbers and letters as well as art and basic science. Not only does this prepare them for kindergarten, where they’ll begin to add larger numbers and learn more advanced concepts, but it will also give them confidence in their intelligence.

Preschool is an exceptional setting for engaging your child with academics and friends at an early age. Preschool provides your child with the peer interaction they require as well as the academic stimulation that will pay dividends later in life.

Since 1990, the percentages of three- and four-year-olds enrolled in preprimary programs has grown from 33% and 56%, respectively, to 42% and 68% in 2013, per the National Center for Education Statistics. Clearly, more parents have come to realize that academic preschool programs are highly beneficial for childhood development.

Unfortunately, the truth is that not every preschool is created equal: some have more highly qualified teachers, better resources, and safer environments than others. That’s why parents need to be very diligent when embarking on a preschool search. Because many parents research new preschools during the summer months, we’ve outlined a few things to look for in a new preschool — and a few things you should hope you never see.

What Parents Should Observe In An Academic Preschool Curriculum

• A safe environment: Above all, your child needs to be safe during all preschool education activities. Your choice in preschool should be a secure, healthy environment where students are closely observed at all times.
• A balanced schedule: While a child’s day may be full of different preschool education activities, they should never feel rushed or fatigued by the strenuous pace. They should also not be forced to engage in activities for too long, or else they may easily become bored. An ideal curriculum should help children acquire and build on new skills, gain knowledge, explore their individual interests, interact with others, and achieve goals. This can help them become more independent, creative, and self-confident while fostering a love of learning and attitude of curiosity about the world.
• Teachers who care: Early childhood education teachers can make a world of difference in how children learn throughout the rest of their lives. Teachers need to be nurturing while still expressing clear behavioral limits. Overall, teachers should be highly engaged and passionate about what they do. This attitude will transfer over to the children in their care.

What Parents Should Not See In A Preschool Environment

• Unrealistic developmental expectations: Highly qualified preschool teachers should have an innate understanding of what can be expected from the children in their classroom. While they should encourage independence in certain ways, they should never allow children to take on tasks that could present a danger. Likewise, while the best preschool education activities challenge young children, teachers should have realistic expectations of what young children can and cannot learn at such a young age. If you observe a teacher who doesn’t seem to grasp how to interact with the children they’re teaching, look elsewhere for a preschool program.
• A disorganized or too-rigid classroom: A preschool environment does need to be carefully monitored. Children should not freely wander around without becoming involved in preschool education activities or play indoors without being observed. That said, the environment should not be too rigid, either. Children should be able to explore and play without feeling anxious. It can be a delicate balance, but it’s an important one. If students aren’t being watched — or are watched too carefully — you should consider a preschool with more experienced teachers.
• Inattentive or uninvolved teachers: Above all else, a preschool teacher needs to be involved in what’s going on in their classroom. Most states have regulations about student-teacher ratios for a reason, but without passionate teachers these rules are meaningless. Some teachers may feel they’re above engaging in their students’ playtime or may ignore their behavior. Not only does this not help children learn through play but it could also put them in danger. Teachers also need to actively set clear limits in the classroom. Children need to understand the consequences of certain behaviors. Should you see teachers who are disengaged or who let children run amok during preschool education activities, try another program.

With these classroom do’s and don’ts in mind, parents will be in a much better position to recognize a great preschool environment.

At Learn and Grow Academy, we pride ourselves on providing a safe environment and highly qualified instructors to help students thrive. To find out more, contact us today.

Preschool is typically thought of as the first step towards obtaining a high-quality education. Most parents know that academic preschool programs play a key role in grade school readiness – which is why three-fourths of all children in the U.S. are enrolled in preschool.

If your child is to start preschool this fall, there are a few things you can do to make sure they’re prepared for the preschool education activities they’ll experience. Here are a few points to cover with your child before the first day.

• Personal Hygiene
  Preschool policies may differ on potty-training: some schools require students to be potty-trained, while others do not. However, it’s usually a good idea for children to be at least well on their way to being potty-trained, as it can be stressful to handle bathroom issues on their own for the first time. Your child should also know to wash and dry her hands after using the bathroom. It can help to establish a bathroom routine while still at home and to ask before using the toilet. Make sure they know to cover their noses and mouths when sneezing and coughing, too.
• Separation
  Preschool policies may differ on potty-training: some schools require students to be potty-trained, while others do not. However, it’s usually a good idea for children to be at least well on their way to being potty-trained, as it can be stressful to handle bathroom issues on their own for the first time. Your child should also know to wash and dry her hands after using the bathroom. It can help to establish a bathroom routine while still at home and to ask before using the toilet. Make sure they know to cover their noses and mouths when sneezing and coughing, too.
• Following Directions
  Simple directions are a part of the routine at preschool. If you want to prepare children for this, it may be helpful to work on listening and following requests. These skills will become even more important as they grow up, so getting a head start on them now means they’ll have even higher levels of grade school readiness. They’ll have to put away toys, point to colors and shapes, and go to their cubbies during the school day. By being able to follow these simple instructions, you’ll set them on a successful path.

An excellent preschool program will set your child up for a successful life-long educational experience. Preparing with these tips in mind, your child will be ready to start preschool come fall.

For many parents, finding the right preschool can take weeks or even months. In 2013, nearly 84% of five-year-old children were enrolled in preprimary programs, so there’s a pressure for parents to give their children the early educational experience they need to succeed. If your child has a year or two of preschool experience under her belt, she’ll probably have a high level of grade school readiness come fall. But whether your child will be attending primary school for the first time next year or you’re in need of some back to school tips for your older children, it’s never too early to start preparing. In fact, summertime provides all kinds of opportunities for continued learning. To ensure your child is ready for another year when autumn rolls around, you’ll want to follow these five tips.

Sign up for summer camp
Although sports-related camps are great, there are plenty of summer camps with an educational spin that will keep your children engaged and growing. These camps may be run through local organizations, museums, community centers, or even your school. Whether your child loves fun science experiments, has an interest in animals, or wants to explore faraway lands and planets, there’s likely a camp that can get them thinking and learning. Maintaining an active mind is one of the best back to school tips we can offer.

Drop everything and read
Making regular trips to your local library and setting aside read-aloud time can make a huge difference in your students’ interest in reading and in their reading comprehension levels. Many libraries have story time for local kids and may even host reading contests to see who can read the most books during the summer. If you’re able to make reading magical, rather than a chore, your children will seek out books instead of shying away from them. The key is getting children excited about reading. You could even act books out at home or create companion activities to the books you read together.

Encourage creative expression
If your child knows how to write, creative writing can be a fantastic outlet and can help them express their thoughts and feelings. You can encourage them to write a paragraph every day or help them write a few sentences and let them illustrate a picture to go along with it. In general, creativity begets creativity; in other words, their participation in a creative outlet — like performing, arts and crafts, storytelling, or even playing games — can make them more innovative in other parts of their life. They’ll learn to think outside the box and solve problems in new ways. This can be just as important for their development as any other educational activity.

Make math delicious
Numbers and math may not appeal to many kids, but you can help make them a bit more accessible — and yummy. Get your child involved in making healthy treats in the kitchen. You’ll pique their interest with the promise of deliciousness and will manage to bake some math right in. While younger children won’t grasp exactly how measurements relate to numbers, you’re still solidifying the idea that by combining several parts, you’re making a whole new recipe.

Visit local museums
During the summertime, your local museums are a great resource for learning and a welcome escape from the heat or rainstorm. Museums have exhibits that truly make learning fun for children. With focuses on science, math, nature, history, and even play and how it helps kids grow, these centers will soon become a favorite for your children. Many museums will even offer discounts for families during the summer season as a way of encouraging educational activities during the break.

To find out more about area summer camps or to learn more about our preschool programs, contact Learn and Grow Academy today.

Most parents know how important academic preschool programs can be for their child’s future development. The best preschools will help prepare your son or daughter for the language, math, and social skills they need to succeed in elementary school and beyond. But just because school will soon be out for the summer, that doesn’t mean your child can’t continue his or her educational, social, and emotional growth through an academic preschool curriculum. Let’s take a closer look at a few of the reasons why you should enroll your child in a preschool program for the summer.

1. They can continue their learning

   At almost any age, the summer break can be detrimental to an ongoing education. While small breaks can help the mind feel refreshed, taking three months off can set students back quite a bit. Studies have found that having increased opportunities to learn, like attending preschool for a longer period, equates to additional developmental benefits. By attending preschool in the first place, children will significantly forge ahead. But by ensuring what they’ve learned during the school year doesn’t fall by the wayside during the summer months, they’ll be even more prepared to enter kindergarten.

2. They’ll be supervised by educators

   Working parents can often use some help in the summertime. Although relatives and regular babysitters can provide some much-needed assistance in watching your children, they can’t provide the same academic advantages and structured days that preschool teachers can. The same goes for daycare workers; even if they have extensive childcare experience, they won’t do much besides monitor your child and engage them in some fun activities. With a summer academic preschool curriculum, your child will have a great time and continue their studies at the same time. It’s a two-for-one deal that most parents won’t want to pass up.

3. They’ll be socially engaged without adding to stress

   The benefits of academic preschool curriculums extend beyond traditional learning. At preschool, children can socialize with their peers and will master important skills like sharing, cooperation, and responsibility. Increased social interaction will help your child become more confident and make lots of new friends. Setting up endless playdates can be exhausting for many parents, especially if they work full-time. However, preschool provides an easy way for children to create new bonds and build on the social skills on which they’ll rely for years to come.

Many preschools like ours offer summer programs that give children the chance to learn all year round. Instead of being parked in front of the TV until September, your children can experience all of the benefits of academic preschool during the summer season.

To find out more about the best preschool programs and summer camps Bergen County, NJ has to offer, contact Learn and Grow Academy today.

Without a preschool education, almost 25% of at-risk children were found to be more likely to drop out of high school, according to a study by the Ounce of Prevention Fund. However, kids who do attend preschool are not only less likely to drop out of high school, but they’re also more likely to graduate from college, own a home, and start a happy family of their own.

Selecting the best preschool for your child can be a tough decision, especially if this is your first time sending a child off to school. It’s important that they have the best education and socialization available, but all of the options available to you can be overwhelming. For first-time parents new to the process, here are some specific questions you should be asking when evaluating prospective schools.

What is the educational background of teachers and staff?
Above all else, you should be making sure that your child’s teacher is qualified. A daycare might not require extensive educational preparation for its employees, but the vast majority of preschool institutions have a grade school readiness mindset that requires teachers to have a certain level of education and experience.

How is discipline handled?
The exact answer to this question is less important than whether it aligns well with your own beliefs about nurturing children. Discipline is something that everyone does a little bit differently. Your method of disciplining your children may not be the same as another parent’s, and discipline in the classroom may need to be approached differently than discipline inside your home. Before you send your child off to learn, it’s important that you fully understand what the school’s disciplinary program looks like and how that will affect your child. Young children are often testing boundaries, and you need to know how those incidents will be handled.

Do the students take naps regularly?
Growing children require more sleep than older school-aged children, so it’s essential to make sure your child is getting enough rest during the day to keep them happy, healthy, and alert. A quality preschool experience is one that allows for equal parts learning, active play, and rest time for children. It’s also important to know whether the school supplies nap mats and pillows or if you’re responsible for those materials.

Are references available?
The best way to ensure your child is getting a high quality education is to ask others who have sent their children to the same institution. A school should be ready and willing to provide references from parents past and present. This is an excellent way for you to determine the pros and cons of a particular school and a critical step to finding the right preschool for your child.

The search may feel overwhelming right now, but it can be broken down into individual steps. The importance of kindergarten and grade school preparation makes the process worthwhile. If you’re a new parent getting your son or daughter ready for school, then start looking for the best preschools near you before classrooms start to fill up.

Considering that 75% of children in the U.S. participate in academic preschool programs, most new parents will have to quickly make a decision about early education. And because preschool education activities can play such an important role in your child’s development, it’s a decision that requires careful consideration. With all of the educational options at your disposal, it can be tough to figure out which academic preschool program will be best for your child’s needs. While each family is different, there are a few consistent things to look for in a preschool.

If you keep the following three factors in mind when choosing a preschool, you’ll be sure to find the right programs for your children.

• Background of Staff
  Unlike many daycare programs, academic preschools will typically hire teachers and staff members with educational backgrounds. This means that your children will be both supervised and taught by highly qualified instructors who practice contemporary teaching methods. Preschool can provide so many more benefits for young children than conventional childcare centers. However, you’ll need to do your due diligence and ensure that the staff at your schools of choice are up to your standards. The educational background of a preschool’s teachers can tell you a lot about what your child’s experience will be in the program.
• Program Style and Curriculum
  A learning environment can greatly affect your child’s experience. Therefore, it’s pivotal that a given academic preschool curriculum lines up with your own beliefs on education. You’ll need to find out what a school’s overall philosophy is towards learning, and whether it jives with your own experience of how your children learn best. Ideally, a preschool program should encourage students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. You’ll also want to look at a school’s typical daily schedule to ensure there’s a balance between play and learning. Don’t be afraid to ask questions pertaining to this. Since this is what your child will experience on a daily basis, you’ll want to have a clear idea of their routine.
• Fulfillment of Family Needs
  Aside from how the program functions, you’ll also need to consider whether the school is a good fit for your family life. For instance, is location important to you? Are you willing to drive a great distance to drop off and pick up your child if it means they attend the best preschool? Or does your schedule require something closer to your immediate neighborhood? If cost is a factor in your decision, then you’ll have to decide how far to stretch your budget while still providing your child with a great education. These are practical questions you’ll need to ask yourself when choosing a preschool program. If you pick a school that’s simply too expensive or too out of the way, that may force you to make sacrifices as a family. In the end, you need to choose a school that ticks all the boxes.

At Learn and Grow Academy, an academic preschool in Palisades Park, NJ, we’re dedicated to providing an excellent experience for your entire family. To find out more about our academic preschool programs, please contact us today.

In 2013, a good portion of toddlers were enrolled in preprimary programs. Around 42% of three-year-olds and 68% of four-year-olds attended preschool programs that year. Many parents understand that, in theory, the high quality education their children receive in academic preschool programs will ensure grade school readiness. But they may not be entirely sure how common preschool activities will allow for the acquisition of valuable skills. To help you better understand how the typical academic preschool curriculum will help your child develop and learn, here are just some of the skills you can expect them to acquire.

• Early Literacy
  Academic preschool activities such as reading books aloud can be both fun and educational, and they help children expand their vocabularies by connecting letters with the sounds they make. In preschool, children will learn how to identify all of the letters of the alphabet. They may also learn how to recognize their own names and write them on the adorable art projects they bring home at the end of the day. While they’re having fun, they’re also listening to sounds, identifying them, and repeating them — the essential building blocks on the path to literacy.
• Counting and Numbers
  In addition to learning letters and the sounds they make, children will also learn how to recognize and verbally identify numbers. Typically, they’ll learn how to count to 10 and learn what the basic numerals look like. While counting often involves memorization to start, children will later understand the connection between the numbers they say and the number of objects they see. Being able to correctly identify numerals 0 to 9 will help students build on their math skills in the future.
• Communication
  When they’re at preschool, children have a chance to converse with others their age. Being able to interact with both other students and adult teachers will allow them to better express themselves and understand how others communicate. They’ll also learn valuable listening skills in preschool. Understanding when it’s important to sit quietly, behave respectfully, and listen to instructions, as well as when it’s okay to talk to others, are crucial to their social development.
• Sharing and Responsibility
  Preschoolers will learn how to share, take turns, and cooperate. They’ll also learn how to regulate their own emotions and behaviors, allowing them to be more productive and happy at school. Teachers will express the importance of taking responsibility for keeping a clean and safe space for everyone to enjoy. Children will also learn when and how to ask for help, and when they might be able to be a bit more independent. While these skills might not seem quite as academic, they’re still part of obtaining a high quality education.

These are just a few of the social, intellectual, and emotional skills your child will begin to develop throughout their enrollment in our preschool programs. To find out more about how our programs can provide a high quality education for your child, contact Learn and Grow Academy today.

If you are a new parent, choosing between preschool and daycare may seem like a rather difficult decision at first. Not only do you want to make sure your child gets the most out of the program, but you need to find something that fits into your schedule as well. In this article, we will point out some of the noticeable differences between preschool and daycare programs, and highlight why preschool is a better option for your child’s development.

The Hours

Preschool
Preschool hours are set up similarly to grade school hours. This can help provide grade school readiness, preparing your child for the schedule that they’ll face later on.

Daycare
Daycares don’t follow a typical school schedule, meaning that the hours may not line up with those needed by parents. This irregular schedule is also likely to cause children difficulty adjusting to grade school hours later on.

The Curriculum

Preschool
There are many benefits to the academic preschool curriculum, as its name implies. It is a precursor to grade school, meaning that academic preschool programs will focus more on the introductory skills a child will need when entering kindergarten. This can greatly benefit them in the long run, as it’s been proven that children who don’t receive a good preschool education have a tougher time reaching success down the road. In fact, around 60% of at-risk children who do not attend preschool do not go to college either.

Daycare
While some daycare centers do provide some form of education, they mostly just act as a safe environment in which parents can drop their children off when they are busy with work or other responsibilities. Daycare centers allow children to socialize with others without parents having to rely on a nanny. They do not, however, provide children with the necessary academic building blocks for success.

The Age Groups

Preschool
Preschools typically serve a set group of toddlers ages three through five. It can vary, depending on the center, but that is the general consensus. This allows teachers to formulate their curriculum around the age groups, thus providing a better education.

Daycare
Daycare has a wider variety of age groups from young toddlers to elementary school aged children. This means that the curriculum may be less structured, as the varying age groups need to be taken into consideration and activities adjusted accordingly.

When it comes to choosing preschool or daycare, the choice ultimately depends on your own personal situation. It is important to know how the two vary so that you can make the best choice for you and your child.