How To Get More Involved In Your Child’s Preschool – Practical Tips For Busy Families

As the parent of a preschooler, you’re naturally involved in every aspect of your child’s life. From what they eat, when they go to bed, and how they spend their time, their preschool involvement is no exception. A good preschool will allow for complete transparency between parents and teachers about classroom activities, progress, and any problem areas if they should arise.

At Parkland Children’s Academy, we don’t just allow for parents to get involved in preschool: we actively encourage it! Keep on reading for some ideas to get started.

Communicate With Your Child’s Teacher

Keeping an open line of communication with your child’s teacher is always to their benefit. You’ll know exactly what’s happening in the classroom, making it easy to continue building on those lessons at home. Your teacher can know if something might affect your child’s classroom performance, such as a difficult night’s sleep, or something else going on at home, like the adjustment of a new sibling. In turn, you will know what areas your child may be struggling in, and know where your child needs support.

Stick With A Routine

One way to determine a child is ready for preschool is by how well they do with following a routine. Preschool is a very structured environment, with certain activities taking place in a certain order at a certain time. At home, this can take many forms, whether it’s designated meal times, daily reading and outdoor time, indoor play time, screen time, nap time, and preparation for bedtime.

When children thrive in structured routines at home, they are more likely to thrive in the classroom. This is one way you were already involved in your child’s preschool education long before they were even old enough to attend.

Follow The Classroom Lesson Plan

A good preschool curriculum often revolves around themes that help children make connections between the activities of the classroom and the world around them. That lesson plan can be a springboard of sorts for activities at home, which you can also share with your child’s teacher if they have been particularly helpful.

Ask your child’s teacher about ways you can connect the lesson plan content at home. One way you can do this is to read books at home that directly coordinate with the daily lesson.

Offer Recycled Art Materials

Many materials that seem like trash can be repurposed for creative art projects: think empty paper towel tubes or fabric scraps. Ask if any materials you have at home can be brought to be used for arts and crafts time.

Ask For Volunteer Jobs At Home

If you’re a working parent, it can be difficult to find time outside of your schedule to volunteer at your child’s school. But don’t let that stop you from getting involved! Your child’s teacher may be able to help you find activities to help with during the time you do spend at home. Perhaps you can create labels for every child’s classroom cubby, or cut out magazine pictures for seasonal classroom decoration.

Share Your Skills With The Class

Kids love learning by example. You can show kids a certain skill in a “show and tell” manner, such as a cooking or art demonstration. Other teachable moments may include career days or otherwise talking about real life experiences.

Attend Special Events

Preschool events outside the classroom are meant to involve the whole family. Whether it’s holiday activities or a presentation, you don’t want to miss opportunities to celebrate what your child has spent their days working on. Mark your calendar with these activities in advance so you can start planning.

What Happens When Parents Get Involved In Preschool

Children with parents who are directly involved in their preschool education may see the following benefits:

Improved Academic Performance

Parents who take an interest in their child’s education shouldn’t be surprised to see their children develop a genuine love of learning and better grades. That’s something that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

Increased Social Skills

Parents who are involved in both education and extracurricular activities may see children who develop the ability to get along with peers from all walks of life. This is another lifelong skill that will benefit them in college, at their first job, and beyond.

Increased Self-Confidence

There is no more influential source of self-esteem than comes from a child’s parents. When you invest in your child by getting involved in school, you show them that they matter.

Increased Personal Responsibility

Taking school seriously by getting involved after hours may result in a stronger sense of personal responsibility. Your child may be inspired to take charge of their educational experiences by your example.

Get Involved In A South Florida Preschool

Preschool is such an exciting and important time in a child’s life. For many, it’s their first extended time away from home: a small glimpse of the real world. It’s a time for laying the foundation that will set them up for a successful educational career. You, the parent, are an essential part of that journey. At Parkland Children’s Academy, we encourage parents to get involved in their child’s learning process as much as they can. Even if you work outside the home, there’s still a role for you to fill.

For questions about our preschool curriculum, after-school care, or VPK program, call today at 954-688-5877. We can’t wait to see your child enrolled this upcoming fall!