Should I Send My Child to Preschool?
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tarting between the ages of 2½ and 3, you will have the option of placing your child in preschool. Some parents may ask, “Why preschool? Isn’t my child learning enough at home or with a caregiver?” Of course, nothing takes the place of a nurturing and loving home, and no one is more important to children than their parents. But research shows that kids who attend quality preschool have higher math and reading skills, are better prepared for kindergarten, behave better in class, and are more likely to graduate from high school and go to college. When considering preschool education, think about these benefits. A preschool experience: • empowers children to think, explore, question, wonder and learn how to learn • supports children’s intellectual and language development and communication skills • offers children consistent, experienced, qualified educators to support their learning and development • improves children’s ability to think, problem solve and reason as they enter school, enabling them to learn more in the early grades • develops social and emotional maturity and the ability to relate well to peers and adults, solve conflicts, play co-operatively and be assertive • provides a solid platform for life-long learning and education • guides children to gain independence, self-esteem and self-confidence, empowering their learning
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Parents’ Press | East Bay Preschool Guide
• helps children have a greater understanding of the world around them • encourages children to be independent learners and to take an active role in their learning • supports children to play co-operatively together and learn from their experiences • enables children and families the opportunity to belong, to be part of a community, and connect with others.
A preschool experience empowers children to think, explore, question, wonder and learn how to learn. Preschools are: • fun places to be, with varied, exciting experiences planned to meet the needs and interests of children • a context to build social connections between families and the community • a source of professional information that supports parenting • resources which give lots of opportunities for parent education • a gradual transition from home to more formal educational environments • a warm, caring, friendly environment, led by qualified, experienced and dedicated staff • places that nurture creativity, thinking and social skills, enabling children to develop a love of learning.
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