CHOOSING YOUR CHILD ’ S PRESCHOOL
PRESENTED BY BOB & LORI SANTO
Choosing 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 6 weeks to 6 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 . ( worldrenowned 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 .”
YOUR CHILD DESERVES THE BEST POSSIBLE START .
Tour your local Goddard School and experience why it ’ s the best preparation for social and academic success .
PETERS TOWNSHIP ( VENETIA ) 724-941-6464
PITTSBURGH ( UPPER SAINT CLAIR ) 412-564-3600
GoddardSchool . com
INDUSTRY INSIGHT
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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 . 2016
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Parent Tips Parents can begin to evaluate preschools by asking the following questions :
• Do the lead teachers have a four-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 multicultural 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 a “ 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 .
Bob & Lori Santo are the owners of The Goddard School ®, located at 825 East McMurray Road in Peters Township 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 or call 724.941.6464 .
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