Early childhood education plays a vital role in the child’s overall development. Preschool providers are more than just a drop-off location for parents. They provide the foundation for lifelong learning, social skills, and emotional development, all of which develop rapidly during the preschool years.
In order for parents to make an informed decision about their child’s early education, they need to be aware of what milestones the child will be reaching, so that they can look for a school that has a curriculum in place that supports this rapid development.
Research has shown that high-quality early education will improve a child’s cognitive abilities, enhance their social skills and development, and promote a love of learning that will prove to be the groundwork for academic success in the later years. It is therefore essential that parents when choosing a preschool provider know what they are looking for and what they will not compromise on.
Developmental Milestones Of A Preschool Child
Children between the ages of 3-5 years go through rapid developmental stages. Understanding the milestones of children at this age will help parents make an informed decision when it comes to enrolling their child in a preschool.
Developmental milestones that children ages 3-5 experience include:
- Physical development – this includes both gross and fine motor skills development.
- Cognitive development – including language, problem-solving, and memory.
- Social and emotional development.
Physical Development
Both fine and gross motor skills develop at this age.
They typically:
- Gain between 4- 5 pounds every year
- Grow 2-3 inches per year
- Have all 20 primary teeth by age 3 and
- Have 20/20 vision by age 4.
Other developmental milestones include:
- Gross motor skills – they learn to run, jump, climb, and dance. They also learn to balance on one foot and to throw and kick a ball.
- Fine motor skills – they learn to draw circles, build towers with blocks, cut with scissors, and start to dress themselves (can usually fasten large buttons).
Cognitive Development
During the preschool years, children develop language, memory, and problem-solving skills.
They begin to:
- Understand various concepts.
- Recognize letters, numbers (counting to 10), shapes, and colors.
- Follow simple instructions and sequence of events.
- Engage in pretend play – learning to know the difference between fantasy and reality.
Preschool is the vital time when children learn and develop skills to interact with those around them as well as identify and regulate their emotions.
During this stage children:
- Learn to share, take turns, and cooperate with others.
- They learn to follow rules and do chores.
- Learn to express emotions and feelings in a controlled and constructive way.
- Develop empathy and start understanding other’s feelings.
- Start expressing a desire to be independent and start doing things for themselves like dressing, eating, and cleaning up after themselves.
How PreSchools Can Support Early Childhood Development
Preschool providers play a vital role in ensuring the children in their care reach their milestones. By implementing well-constructed curricula and providing an environment where learning and positive social interaction are encouraged, children can thrive and grow.
A good preschool curriculum should:
- Ensure the classes are small enough to have a good teacher-to-child ratio.
- Have a child-centered approach, focusing on a child’s individual growth and learning style that allows children to learn at their own pace.
- Understand that children learn through hands-on experiences and participation. It would include outdoor play, indoor games, interactive storytelling, and hands-on experiments.
- Multi-sensory learning that engages the senses, including listening to music, touching items with different textures, and exploring nature.
Teachers and other caregivers also play a vital role in developing the child’s learning experience. By creating a welcoming, supportive, and encouraging environment, children feel safe to express themselves and confident to try new things.
An effective preschool teacher will:
- Encourage good behavior with positive reinforcement.
- Ensure a respectful and inclusive classroom culture.
- Adapt lessons to include all needs and learning styles.
- Encourage continued learning at home by cultivating regular, open communication with parents. Parents would be encouraged to reinforce learning at home by:
- Reading to their children daily
- Engaging their child in creative play
- Encouraging curiosity and questions
Parents would also be encouraged to partner with the preschool by attending parent-teacher meetings, volunteering during school/classroom activities, and encouraging them to continue practicing skills learned at school.
What Parents Should Look For In A Preschool Provider
Parents often feel overwhelmed by the available preschool choices. Here are six things to look for that will help to narrow down the choices.
- Safety is non-negotiable. Ensure the school has secure entrances, fire alarms, and emergency procedures in place. Also ensure that all hazardous substances, chemicals, and equipment are never within a child’s reach.
- Cleanliness and hygiene – Ensure the school has proper hygiene practices in place, and the grounds are clean and well maintained. Make sure to note the hygiene practices in the food preparation/serving areas and the bathroom.
- Ensure the outdoor area is safe and secure, that it contains stimulating equipment that is in good condition, and that the area is spacious. The school must encourage play and have a balance of indoor and outdoor activities.
- All teachers and caregivers must have the correct qualifications, have had a background check, and be licensed to teach preschool children.
- Choose a school with a low teacher-child ratio as this allows for more individual attention and support.
- The school must allow for open communication and encourage parental involvement.
Parkland Children’s Academy, South Florida Preschool Provider Of Choice
Parkland Children’s Academy is a family-orientated school and a loving environment that parents and children refer to as a “home away from home”. The teachers at Parkland expose children to age-appropriate activities that will help them learn to socialize with their peers and other adults and ultimately reach their full potential.
Parkland Children’s Academy is also a preschool that supports early childhood development by providing a nurturing environment, a well-rounded curriculum, and age-appropriate exciting activities. At our school, children develop the necessary skills for social and academic success as well as personal growth.
For more information or to arrange a tour of our facilities contact us at (954)-688-5877 today.