Choosing a Preschool
November 2006
by Lee Eisman
eastbaymom@aol.com
www.eastbaymoms.com
Traditionally, the term “preschool” referred to a part-time program for three- and four-year olds in a center-based setting. Although some preschools still fit this model, the definition of the term is now much broader and encompasses a wide variety of programs. Although many preschools still only accept three- and four-year olds, some specialized programs for younger children exist,
The quality of your child’s educational experience will depend most on the people working with him or her. To ensure that your child will thrive and learn, you should attempt to select adults who are warm, caring and nurturing, interact well with children, and are knowledgeable about child development. Children benefit when they feel safe, comfortable and encouraged, whether or not there are fancy toys and equipment at the preschool.
Preschools enhance development by structuring the site to encourage children’s creativity and by organizing the day so that the children have indoor and outdoor experiences, active and quiet times and independent and interactive opportunities. A preschool can be housed in a large or small facility or in a family child care home setting.
After completing your initial research, you should consider the needs of your child and what you want from a program. Visit the programs that appeal to you more than once; ideally at least one visit should be with your child. Talk to the Director and parents of children currently enrolled and make sure that all your questions have been answered.
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHIES
Several different types of educational philosophies and programs are described below:
Developmental: These programs base their curriculum on developmental principles and beliefs about the way children grow and learn. Children typically have a great deal of free choice to select activities such as dramatic play, art, outdoor play, etc. These programs usually include scheduled group times with an emphasis on music and stories. Curriculum is designed around the interests and abilities of the children and is both developmental in nature and age appropriate. Developmental programs are based on learning theories of well-known educators such as Jean Piaget and John Dewey.
Montessori: These programs are based on learning theories developed by Maria Montessori in Rome in the early 1900’s. This philosophy emphasizes the individual child’s initiative and independence, allowing the child to progress through an orderly series of structured learning activities at his/her own pace. The goals of Montessori programs are good work habits and intellectual growth. Children typically work independently with specialized materials in combined age groups.
Academic: These programs emphasize academic skills such as learning colors, numbers and letters, math and reading in preparation for kindergarten and elementary school. Children work in larger groups on specific projects, learning by practice and repetition. Behavior modification and positive reinforcement principles are practiced by the staff.
Play-Based: These programs are less structured in scheduled activities. The children’s play is considered a vital means of cognitive and social learning while play is the primary vehicle for growth and development.
High Scope: These programs are a combination of Piaget-based educational theory and developmentally appropriate classroom practices designed to promote active learning. Children are encouraged to initiate their own learning projects.
Reggio Emilia The name comes from the Italian town where this approach began after World War II. Learning is improvised and spontaneous to provoke children’s creative thinking and problem-solving skills. This method emphasizes the physical environment in which the children learn. Children are encouraged to use a variety of artistic and linguistic techniques to develop their understanding of a topic.
Cooperative: Members of parent run cooperatives, or co-ops, are typically responsible for fulfilling all functions necessary to run the classroom except the actual teaching. Parents elect a governing board, are assigned jobs to assist in the school’s administration and typically work at the school once a week monitoring a portion of the classroom, providing snacks, cleaning the facility, etc. Parent education/business meetings are usually held monthly.
Waldorf: This program emphasizes integration of the whole child: mind, body and emotions. The curriculum is based on the work of Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925), an Austrian philosopher and educator. Waldorf emphasizes learning through observation. Lots of creative activities in a peaceful environment are included in Waldorf programs. Teachers typically remain with the same group of children from year to year.
Lee Eisman
eastbaymom(at)aol.com
www.eastbaymoms.com
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