IN Bethel Park Winter 2019 | Page 17

INDUSTRY INSIGHT
EARLY EDUCATION
SPONSORED CONTENT
CHOOSING YOUR CHILD’S PRESCHOOL
C
hoosing the right preschool for a child may be one of the
most complicated decisions parents have to make. An
estimated five million children are in preschool programs
(children from six weeks to six years old), and the number
is growing. According to the Families and Work Institute, children
benefit from quality programs with a competent faculty and good
ratios. They suffer fewer behavioral troubles, have larger expressive
vocabularies, feel close to their teachers, and enjoy more complex,
less aggressive play with peers.
In his book “Me, Myself and I,” author Kyle D. Pruett, M.D.
(world‑renowned child psychologist practicing at Yale University)
states, “Schools can help a great deal by having children listen to
both read and told stories, and then discussing their content. This
encourages a sense of cooperation by listening and playing with
others, and rehearsing self‑reliance. Quality schools can further
assist children by allowing them to practice sharing and using their
imaginations to learn language through play, songs, and stories.”
When assessing a preschool program, parents should seek schools
that encourage learning through play. Play and imagination are
possibly the most important resources children possess. In fact,
Dr. Pruett stresses the connection between play and imagination
by suggesting that “imagination surfaces when a child takes what
she has learned through play about how past experiences can be
symbolized, and starts to ‘imagine’ things, beyond mere repetition.”
READY.
SET.
GOddard!
We help children explore
and discover their interests
through play in a safe
environment. We provide
ample opportunities for
fun learning experiences,
promoting a lifelong love of
learning in literacy, science,
technology, engineering,
arts and mathematics.
NOW ENROLLING ALL AGES,
INCLUDING KINDERGARTEN!
PETERS TOWNSHIP (VENETIA) • 724-941-6464
PITTSBURGH (UPPER SAINT CLAIR) • 412-564-3600
Parent Tips
Parents can begin to evaluate preschools by asking the following
questions:
• Do the lead teachers have a 4‑year degree in Education (certified
by the PA Department of Education (PA DOE))?
• Is the school accredited? If so, as a school or a daycare?
• Will my child’s curiosity and creativity be encouraged?
• Do the teachers write their own lesson plans?
• Is the school cheerful and bright?
• Are all faculty members First Aid/CPR certified?
• Are daily activity reports prepared for each child?
• Is the school licensed by the PA DOE?
• Does the school offer parent‑teacher conferences?
• Are parents welcome to visit at any time?
• Is an internal quality assurance program in place?
• Is the school’s environment multi‑cultural and developmentally
appropriate?
• Is a wellness policy in place?
• Are teachers provided ongoing training as well as other
opportunities for professional development?
Preschool Curriculum
Preschool classrooms should be arranged to encourage
imagination and play in order to enhance your child’s learning
experience. They should include easily accessible age‑appropriate
educational materials, art supplies, books, and musical instruments.
Children should be encouraged to explore learning centers such
as creative art, math, dramatic play, science, music, and computers;
to ask questions; and to take time making friends and socializing.
Teachers should provide enriching activities and balance each day
with quiet activities, spirited music and movement, and plenty of
outdoor climbing, running, and jumping.
Preschool programs should encourage their teachers to develop
their own lesson plans. In fact, be wary of programs developed by
a centralized entity or corporation – they typically neglect some
children’s individual needs within each classroom. Unique lesson
plans allow teachers to consider your child’s development as well
as integrating play and imagination. In other words, in a quality
preschool program, dinosaurs are not extinct during “Prehistoric
Phrenzy Week.” Rather, your child may learn about the foods that
carnivores and herbivores eat by sampling “dinosaur snacks,” and
discussing the differences between various dinosaur footprints while
stamping colorful dino‑prints on their classroom floors.
The most ingenious preschool programs are integrating specialty
enrichment resource programs, such as a second language, sign
language, math, science, fitness, and music, into their curriculum.
This seamless assimilation provides optimum learning opportunities
for children in a convenient “all‑in‑one” package. Choosing the right
preschool means your child will make friends, discover that learning is
fun, and feel safe every day.
This Industry Insight was written by Bob & Lori Santo.
GoddardSchool.com
The Goddard Schools are operated by independent franchisees under a license agreement with
Goddard Systems, Inc. Programs and ages may vary. Goddard Systems, Inc. program is AdvancED accredited.
© Goddard Systems, Inc. 2018
Bob & Lori Santo are the owners of The Goddard
School®, located at 825 East McMurray Road in
Peters Township, 724.941.6464, and 655 Painters
Run Road, Upper St. Clair, 412.564.3600. Goddard
offers both full‑ and part‑time infant/preschool/
kindergarten programs. For more information, visit
www.goddardschools.com/Pittsburgh.
BETHEL PARK
❘
WINTER 2019
15