You've survived baby's first year and even the terrible twos. Now it's time to look forward to having a preschooler. Preschoolers are gaining better emotional and physical control, and are learning skills at an almost-dizzying rate of speed. Parents will need to be on-the-go and ever-ready to keep up with their active, whirlwind, and yes, fun, preschoolers. Typical preschool issues focus on behavior and discipline, developing social skills, preparedness for school, and self-esteem.
Does preschool make a child more ready for kindergarten?
What skills are important for a preschooler to learn and do they necessarily help a child to be more prepared to enter kindergarten?
Many parents underestimate the value of early education
Early childhood education research shows that even very young children have an enormous capacity for learning. Experts typically agree that a structured learning environment can help youngsters to develop necessary skills to succeed in school and in life. Having that, many parents continue to estimate the benefits of early education.
Preschools can help with sibling jealousies
When a new baby enters the scene, older brother or sister may not welcome the new arrival like mom or dad hoped. Preschools/daycares can do lots to help out the situation.
Choosing a preschool that's right for your child and family
Choosing a preschool that's right for your child and your family may not be as easy as you think. The right preschool can help children to be better equipped for school by the time they reach kindergarten. But "right" may mean different things to different children. What should you consider before making this important decision?
Finding a preschool or daycare that promotes proper behavior
Findings from a major child care study that the longer a kid is in daycare, the more likelihood there is for behavioral problems, is raising concern by parents and providers alike. Calls to action have been enacted in asking what can be done to ensure kids develop emotional and social skills to combat concerns of disobedience and arguing. Many daycare programs are already instituting (or beefing up) character-based and virtue programs to emphasize good behavior and caring for others.
Preschool is tranforming into time to learn and not just play
An increasing number of public school districts have begun partnering with community child care centers, family early educators, and preschools to help prepare children for kindergarten. Kids today need to learn skills that generations previously learned in kindergarten, reflecting a national push for school readiness. So, what's the rush?
Are your kids safe and sound at preschool?
Following tragic school shootings and other newsmakers where kids are taken from school and child care settings, many parents may wonder what school districts and child care centers are doing to ensure child safety. If you don't know, ask!
What to do if your child hates preschool
Your child hates pre-school. What can a parent do? Keep in mind that pulling your child out a specific program may NOT be the best answer.
Why the so-called "flip-flop factor" is affecting your preschooler's learning
Teachers and child care providers have grumbled about how kids arrive inappropriately dressed for a day of fun, often affecting activities that were planned. A new study supports what early educators already knew, but gives it a name: the flip-flop factor!
Dressing your child for preschool success means practical, comfy clothing
Parents pay heed! Child care providers and teachers everywhere beg you to dress your kids for play and not for cuteness when attending daycare or school! Whether or not there is a school dress code, kids need to wear functional, practical and dirt-friendly attire for fun and optimal independence!
