Preschool Behaviors and How to Handle Them
By: Shana O’Malley-Smith
As your little one enters the preschool years, you may start to experience some new and challenging behaviors. You’ve probably heard of the “terrible twos,” and this next stage is sometimes referred to as having a “threenager” or “fournado” because of these new behavioral changes.
FIVE COMMON PRESCHOOL-AGE BEHAVIORS:
Tantrums and Big Emotions: At this age, children are still developing emotional regulation skills. Tantrums or big emotional outbursts can occur when they feel frustrated, overwhelmed or unable to express their feelings effectively.
Testing Boundaries: Preschoolers might push boundaries to see how much they can get away with, which is a normal part of learning self-control and understanding social rules.
Difficulty Sharing or Taking Turns: Preschoolers are still developing an understanding of empathy and cooperation.
Expressing Preferences. At this age, they’re starting to assert their preferences and show strong likes and dislikes for things.
Independence: As they transition into a “big kid” they’re starting to want to do things all by themselves.
Dr. Paul Schuh, a pediatrician at Akron Children’s Akron East Pediatric Primary Care Office, says while these behaviors can feel intense in the moment, this is part of normal development as children become more verbal and realize they can express their opinion.
“Their language skills are way better than they were when they’re two and so they tend to talk a lot and they have
an opinion about everything,” he says. Children at this age should be speaking, even if they’re still hard to understand. They should also be engaging and playing with other children and making eye contact.
DEALING WITH DIFFICULT BEHAVIOR
There are a few ways to cope with your preschooler pushing your patience. Schuh says “timeout” is appropriate for certain offenses such as being hurtful to another child.
“Kids this age love being part of the group and so one of the worst things you can do is make them sit by themselves — so, timeout works well,” he says. “And you know, honestly, if it's kind of a minor offense sometimes you're better off just ignoring things
and just not reinforcing the behavior.”
Schuh adds that recognizing good behavior is also important.
“If you just notice that your kids are playing quietly and you're like, ‘hey, you're doing a really good job,” or something like that, just catching them being good, I think helps,” he says.
At home, Schuh says schedules and routines help kids at this age feel more secure and know what to expect. He also advises making sure your child gets enough sleep and limiting and monitoring screen time.
If your little one is starting to attend daycare or a preschool program, they may express some anxiety or become extra clingy during drop-off. Schuh says these feelings typically go away pretty quickly after parents leave. Bringing something special from home or having a family picture in the classroom can help with separation anxiety during the school day.
While this age has its challenging moments, the preschool years are also filled with fun, learning, imagination and curiosity.
“Their language skills are way better than they were when they’re two and so they tend to talk a lot and they have an opinion about everything ”
— Dr. Paul Schuh, Pediatrician at Akron Children’s, Akron East Pediatric Primary Care Office
NEW LOCATIONS IN BEREA AND CLEVELAND
2O Preschool Toys To Try
By Elena Epstein
Looking for some educational fun and ways to play with preschoolers before and after the school season. Here are 20 toys to help your kids be creative, practice communication skills, sensory-friendly and stay active from the National Parenting Product Awards.
1. SOUNDS OF RAIN SENSORY TUBES
Discover the power of rain pattern sounds to help children calm their energy with this captivating set. $21.99, ages 4+, hand2mind.com
2. GROWING GREENHOUSE COLOR AND NUMBER PLAYSET
Foster color recognition and counting skills while promoting eco-consciousness in a fun and interactive way. Features adorable flowers, pots and a guide filled with kid-friendly sustainability facts. $24.99, ages 18 months+, learningresources.com
3. FLAT 2 FAST CARD RACERS
This toy transforms from cards to superfast racing cars with the press of a button. No pull back needed. Portable and fits perfectly in a pocket or backpack for on-the-go play. $12.99, ages 5+, lukilab.com
4. GEOSAFARI JR. MY FIRST WALKIE TALKIES
Encourage exploration, communication and build confidence. Features a single button for easy use, a secure kid-to-kid radio channel, wrist strap, 90-meter range and durable design. $21.99, ages 4+, educationalinsights.com
5. GRAVITRAX JUNIOR
Introduce children to marble run and construction toys in a vibrant and easy-to-learn way. Start building right away and immerse yourself in thematic worlds for added creative play. Features jungle, ice, desert and ocean-themed sets and expansions. $14.99-$129.99, ages 3+ Various retailers.
6. SPACE SHUTTLE AIRFORT
Aim for the stars and blast-off. Aspiring astronauts will enjoy hours of creative play as they explore the universe and their imagination. Easy assembly. All you need is a standard box fan. $59.99, ages 3+, airfort.com
7. NUMBERBLOCKS PLAYING CARDS
With a numbery twist on popular card games like Go Fish, Old Maid, and more, children will love playing and learning with their favorite characters. These cards offer a playful and engaging way to practice early math skills. $9.99, ages 3+ years. Various retailers.
8. KIDS ON THE GO CARD SET
A fun set of card games that introduces young players to taking turns, recognizing colors, shapes, numbers and letters. Includes a convenient tote bag perfect for out and about. $49, ages 4+, simplyfun.com
9. CRY BABIES
TINY CUDDLES DISNEY
The softest version of these popular dolls now have a magical makeover as Disney inspired characters. Feature Disney’s Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Stitch, Daisy Duck and Winnie the Pooh. Each one comes with a matching pacifier and cries real tears. $12.99, ages 18 months+, Various retailers.
10. MIX IT UP ACTIVITY BOX
Create cherished family time with these 125 activity cards that transform even a brief bit of time into lasting memories. Activities use common household items and many don’t require supplies. Simply gather your loved ones, a spark of inspiration and let the time together begin. $29.99, ages 4+, pennycake.com
11. KINETIC SAND
SOFT SERVE STATION
Scoop, squeeze, decorate and customize. This sweet playset emulates the real-life soft serve experience. Place the cone under the dispenser and push the sand through to create colorful swirls. Add some sprinkles and extra toppings, then squish and create all over again. $14.99, ages 3+, spinmaster.com
12. APHMAU 11” CLASSIC MYSTERY PLUSH
Features eight different MeeMeows to collect. Each comes in a blind bag for surprise unboxing fun with super soft fur, squishy bodies and signature happy faces. $19.99, ages 3+, bonkertoys.com
13. FURREAL WALK-A-LOTS BERNEDOODLE INTERACTIVE TOY
This cute puppy is ready for a stroll. Her bouncy walk and wobbly head move just like a real pet. Listen for barks, howls, a “rwar-ing” happy tune, and other adorable noises. $19.99, ages 4+, justplayproducts.com
14. RAINBOW CLIMBER GYM
An indoor playground made of high-quality hard beechwood. Features a compact yet spacious design that facilitates physical and emotional development. Suitable for big families and playdates – can bear up to 440 lbs. Comes with a double-sided slide, wooden rings, wooden swing and hammock. $779.99, ages 18 months+, Various retailers.
15. THEODORA S.T.E.A.M. GIRLS
A line of diverse luxurious plush dolls that encourage young girls to explore the world of S.T.E.A.M. With a mission to inspire and empower, the dolls are role models for young girls and strive to encourage positive thinking. $59.99, ages 3+, theodoradolls.com
16. CLAYMATES’ FAMILY OF 4
Designed to encourage open-ended, imaginative play. Includes handmade wooden figures and colorful non-drying clay blocks. Kids create their own characters, facilitating self-expression, fine motor development and social awareness. Crafted from sustainable brown walnut and light maple hardwoods. $33, ages 3+, claymatesusa.com
17. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC BUG HABITAT
Catching bugs is simple with the included bug catcher, net and tweezers. First add natural objects like dirt, sticks and rocks to the base to help the bug feel at home. The lid includes two magnifiers–a large, stationary viewer to see details up close, and another that telescopes and moves to expand the field of view and observe bugs as they move around the habitat. Includes a detailed learning guide. $19.99, ages 4+, Various retailers.
18. DROYD ZYPSTER
A mini electric go-kart for hours of fun. Safety features include an automatic smooth-launch control pedal, electromechanical brake, and built-in parental speed controls to lock in its speed at 3 or 6 mph. $249, ages 3+, droyd.com
19. BRIO DINOSAUR ADVENTURE SET
Explore the amazing prehistoric world of dinosaurs. This 21-piece train set is full of dinosaur-themed play and includes a train with two wagons and multiple scenic pieces like the dangerous lava cave and grassy meadow tracks. $79.99, ages 3+, brioplay.com
20. JOINAROUND PUZZLE, ZOO
Featuring four levels of complexity, it's perfect for the whole family. Youngsters conquer big pieces, while older kids and adults tackle the smaller ones. Work together to complete the puzzle and once done, flip the box over and enjoy four bonus games. $24.99, ages 4+, pennycake.com
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
Department of Children and Youth
Many topics pertaining to preschool special education are provided by the Preschool Special Education Team. childrenandyouth.ohio.gov or education.ohio.gov
Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities
It has been funded since 1984 to serve as the Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) for the state of Ohio from the federal government, U.S. Dept of Education, Office for Special Education Programs. ocecd.org
Transitions to Kindergarten pacer.org
5 Questions for Preschoolers with Special Needs
The Ohio Department of Children and Youth, which focuses on developmentally appropriate services and supports for children, answered questions about how families who have preschoolers with special needs can start the process to get educational support in their first years of school.
1
. What do parents do if they are concerned about their preschoolers’ educational progress?
If a parent thinks their child may have special needs, they will start by contacting the special education department in the school district where they live.
In Ohio, the school district of residence is responsible for evaluation and services for preschool children with disabilities. Most school district websites provide telephone and email contact information for the special education staff. The parent should call or email the district and request a preschool evaluation for special education services.
Preschool special education services are provided in a way that connects to the preschool curriculum and standards, and services are not solely medical or therapeutic.
2
. For parents of preschoolers who have special needs, what is the IEP process?
An IEP or Individualized Education Program is a legal document that defines how the district plans to meet a child’s unique educational needs that result from a disability. The IEP is the foundation of a child’s special education program. After the school district has conducted an evaluation and the evaluation team has found the child to be eligible for special education, the school district will hold a meeting to devel-
op an initial IEP. By law, the parent must be included in this meeting and the parent can invite anyone they would like to attend.
A copy of the IEP should be provided to the parent in their native language or other mode of communication, which makes the information accessible to the parent. Once the parent signs the initial IEP, the district is required to provide the parent with a Prior Written Notice document, which describes how the district will begin providing services for the child based upon their individual needs.
3
. What type of preschool program might my child with special needs attend?
The IEP team (which includes the parents) makes the placement decision. While the district of residence is responsible, it is possible that the child’s placement may be in a community preschool or chartered non-public preschool, and so the school district of residence may provide itinerant services or contract with the other setting to provide the services as outlined in the IEP.
4
. How can parents with children who have special needs help their kids get ready for preschool?
Identifying objects, social interactions, sorting, counting, singing, running and climbing, exploring and creating are just some
ways play engages a child in developing/practicing critical thinking skills, motor skills, and appropriate behavioral skills.
By reading books with children, the child can make connections that words in print have meaning, can understand story concepts such as beginning, middle, end, learn new vocabulary, engage in identifying objects in the book (illustrations), and many more benefits. Listening to your child helps them to build confidence in their communication, creates positive self-confidence, and allows a child to be more inquisitive and ask questions about the world around them. Knowing that they are heard makes a child feel safe to explore meanings and share feelings.
· 5. What is the transition process for preschoolers with special needs to kindergarten?
The IEP team that includes the local school district staff and the parents should plan for the preschool child’s transition to kindergarten. Any special supports a child may need in order to transition smoothly should be considered and included within the IEP, if necessary. The team should discuss how goals will be implemented in a kindergarten environment. Parents could check with school district staff to find about such things as possible kindergarten classroom locations and enrollment procedures.
—Ohio Department of Children and Youth
A B C Preschool Guide
THE CENTERS
The Centers operates six early learning centers in Northeast Ohio, providing a high-quality educational experience for children 6 weeks to age 5 to prepare them for kindergarten and future success. Our centers offer a stimulating learning environment, interactive activities, and a team of dedicated and experienced teachers and staff. Welcoming classrooms cater to children of all abilities. Programs are affordable for all families, with payment options for private pay, voucher qualified, and Early/Head Start eligible families. 216-325-9678, thecentersohio.org.
CLEVELAND MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Cleveland Montessori has been serving the Little Italy and Greater Cleveland community for almost 30 years, providing an education for life, which celebrates diversity, growth and joy. Students from preschool through eighth grade are met with respect and compassion as they strive to meet their individual potential in beautifully prepared classrooms that offer social, emotional and academic experiences in a unique urban setting. Apply now for 2024-25. 216-421-0700, info@cleveland montessori.org, clevelandmontessori.org
CLEVELAND SIGHT CENTER PRESCHOOL
Cleveland Sight Center has an on-site preschool that offers an alternative program for children who have a visual impairment (as a primary or secondary condition), along with their sighted peers. The team of passionate and highly qualified specialists use a curriculum that provides an individualized educational experience for each student and their unique interests and needs. The classroom is enriched with technology and equipment that is designed for children with varying abilities. Contact info@clevelandsightcenter.org or call 216-791-8118 to learn more about year-round open enrollment.
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T H R E E Y E A R P R O G R A M
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Preschool Guide
CREATIVE PLAYROOMS
Creative Playrooms
Montessori and Child Care Centers
give children a leg up as they begin to climb the ladder of lifetime learning. Their gifted educators help kids fall in love with learning, and their centers focus on enriching the whole child — physically, emotionally, and cognitively — through their traditional and play-based Montessori approach. As an award-winning childcare provider with six locations and 50-plus years of experience in the Greater Cleveland area, Creative Playrooms offers multiple programs for infants through school-age, but also provides families an additional choice of traditional or montessori programs. creativeplayrooms.com
EARLY STEPS LEARNING CENTER
LAKE ERIE NATURE & SCIENCE CENTER
As one of the first and largest nature-based preschool programs in the region, Lake Erie Nature & Science Center serves children ages 1 to 6 with age-appropriate activities to support social, physical and academic development. Children explore the wonders of science and nature with hands-on activities, crafts, music, live animal encounters, and planetarium shows. The surrounding 100-acre parkland and access to Lake Erie serve as an extended classroom for outdoor adventures. lensc.org/preschool-programs
MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS
T H R E E Y E A R P R O G R A M
Early Steps Learning Center
T H R E E Y E A R P R O G R A M
B E G I N N I N G A T A G E T H R E E
Spaces fill fast!
P E R S O N A L T O U R M O N T E S S O R I
Apply now for the 2o25/2o26 school year.
C A L L F O R A
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Give Your Child the Best Start at Early Steps Learning Center! Discover exceptional childcare with their 5-Star ECE Preschool for ages 3-5. Their top-notch program enhances children’s thinking, social skills, and school readiness. Visit their website to learn more and schedule a tour today. Additional programs available for school-aged children. *Free 5-Star ECE Preschool available for qualifying families. earlystepslearningcenter.com
P E R S O N A L T O U R
C A L L F O R A
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P E R S O N A L T O U R
Montessori School of University Heights, established in 1968, is a pre-primary school dedicated to helping each child become the unique person his/her creator intended in a Christian atmosphere of peace, love and respect. Children enter at age 3 and remain through their kindergarten year. The Montessori approach involves: providing comprehensive, individualized opportunities for growth; engaging children in a caring, supportive community; and developing concentration, independence, self-discipline, compassion, confidence, and joy in learning. 216-381-8388, ms-uh.org
HAWKEN SCHOOL
2 3 5 9 9 C E D A R R O A D
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W W W . M S - U H . O R G
2 3 5 9 9 C E D A R R O A D
B E A C H W O O D , O H
W W W . M S - U H . O R G
B E A C H W O O D , O H
W W W . M S - U H . O R G
“ T h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t p e r i o d
W W W . M S - U H . O R G
“ T h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t p e r i o d
o f l i f e i s n o t t h e a g e o f u n i v e r s i t y s t u d i e s , b u t t h e
o f l i f e i s n o t t h e a g e o f
f i r s t o n e , t h e p e r i o d o f
u n i v e r s i t y s t u d i e s , b u t t h e
“ T h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t p e r i o d
f i r s t o n e , t h e p e r i o d o f
o f l i f e i s n o t t h e a g e o f
u n i v e r s i t y s t u d i e s , b u t t h e
b i r t h t o a g e s i x F o r t h a t i s
f i r s t o n e , t h e p e r i d o f
b i r t h t o a g e s i x F o r t h a t i s t h e t i m e w h e n m a n ’ s i n t e l l i g e n c e i t s e l f , h i s g r e a t e s t i m p l e m e n t , i s b e i n g f o r m e d ”
Hawken’s Early Childhood program allows your child to experience the joys of childhood while developing foundational knowledge, creative and critical thinking skills, citizenship, and the habits of mind to support lifelong learning. Highlights include a Forest Program option, a Toddler Program, and afternoon enrichment classes in science, movement, visual and dramatic arts, language and culture, and music. Applications are now being accepted for 2025-26. For more information, visit hawken.edu
NEW STORY SCHOOLS
New Story Schools, located in Independence and Sandusky, now offers preschool classrooms in a supportive environment for students ages 3-4 with developmental disabilities. Each of their classrooms are overseen by an Intervention specialist and led by one teacher and one paraprofessional. To allow for more individualized instruction, class sizes are limited to eight students. To reserve your spot, please call their office at 614-6026473 or visit newstoryschools.com.
b i r t h t o a g e s i x F o r t h a t i s
t h e t i m e w h e n m a n ’ s i n t e l l i g e n c e i t s e l f , h i s
t h e t i m e w h e n m a n ’ s
- D r M a r i a M o n t e s s o r i
i n t e l l i g e n c e i t s e l f , h i s
g r e a t e s t i m p l e m e n t , i s b e i n g f o r m e d ”
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- D r M a r i a M o n t e s s o r i
g r e a t e s t i m p l m e n t , i s b e i n g f o r m e d ” - D r M a r i a M o n t e s s o r i
Sat., September 14 at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Mandel Auditorium from 11 - 2
See ad on page 47
A B C Preschool Guide
RUFFING
MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Ruffing Montessori School in Cleveland Heights is more than just a school for children ages 18 months through eighth grade. It is a beloved community where children are guided by experienced Montessori-trained teachers and immersed in a rigorous curriculum that prepares students to become independent thinkers and creative problem solvers. Schedule your tour today by contacting the Admissions Office at 216-321-7571 and see why Ruffing is the compelling school of choice for so many.
SETON CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Seton Catholic School (pre-kindergarten through eighth grade) is a U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School. A lifetime love of learning starts here. Young hearts and minds develop into thoughtful, educated students — ready to thrive and grow. Immersed in the humanities, arts and sciences, foreign languages, mathematics, and environmental education — students are nurtured in a setting of constructive and personalized learning. Innovation and tradition unite with guided responsible use of technology, successfully integrated with time-honored instruction. setoncatholicschool.org
YMCA OF GREATER CLEVELAND
Y-Club helps hundreds of children every day reach their fullest potential in a welcoming, supportive environment. By incorporating the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility into all of their youth programs they give children the solid foundation they need to thrive. Preschool at the YMCA is like a home away from home, where kids ages 3-5 years of age laugh, learn and explore while creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime. clevelandymca.org
