By Amy L. Hatch
Deciding where — and even if — to send your child to preschool can be a daunting task, especially if you’re doing it for the first time.
Is my child ready? What should I look for? Should the school be focused on academics? What is a “preschool philosophy?”
During the month of February, chambanamoms.com will be posting an occasional series of articles designed to help parents navigate the sometimes choppy waters of choosing their child’s first school. To start us off, we asked parenting expert Brenda Nixon to give us some basic pointers about preschool.
Nixon, fellow Midwesterner (she lives in Columbus), is the author of the award-winning “The Birth to Five Book,” and is also the host of The Parent’s Plate radio show. In September, Nixon was named the “Mom of the Week” by Lifetime Entertainment. She and her husband have three grown children.
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Author and early childhood expert Brenda Nixon. (Photo courtesy of Brenda Nixon)
Q: At what age should kids go into a preschool program? Why?
Nixon: Children do not need a structured play/learning environment outside the home until [age 3] or later. Until age 3, their primary influence is their nuclear family; not outside playmates. Through the first three years, they are concrete thinkers — a “friend” is an abstract concept – and depend upon Mom or Dad for stimulation.
Q: What do kids get out of preschool? Is it necessary?
Nixon: Today, with the push-down on education, even preschoolers are being taught concepts and academics that once belonged in kindergarten. I advise parents to do their legwork; decide what they want for their child in preparation for kindergarten and then seek a preschool that meets their family goal.
Q: This is the time of year that sees lots of parents scrambling to find a preschool. Where should first-timers start? All the information out there is so overwhelming.
Nixon: I encourage parents to talk to friends, neighbors, and educators for a collective recommendation.
Q: Should parents be aware of the school’s educational philosophy, or is that going overboard for this age group?
Nixon: For sure. Parents must find a school that meets their family’s educational goal. To know their state’s standards for preschool — and then kindergarten — they can do an Internet search for the state department of education.
Q: Should parents visit the school?
Nixon: Always. I recommend parents visit the school throughout the day, at different hours to get a more accurate picture of the day’s activities and how the preschoolers are treated.
Q: Should parents request an observation?
Nixon: Yes, parent can request an observation but remember that the hour spend in a planned observation may not give a true picture of the day, teachers, and routine of the preschool environment.
Q: Should parents request a “trial run” where their child gets to spend some time in the school before signing up for classes?
Nixon: Parents can request a “trial run” but remember that it could confuse their child by making him/her think that is the preschool selected.
Q: What advice can you give to parents who might be worried about sending their child to school for the first time?
Nixon: Be relaxed. If the parents are anxious their child will pick up on those heightened feelings.
Up Next: Get to know the Illinois State Board of Education Early Learning Standards
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Great article! Brother owns a daycare center, son’s been there for 2 yrs. Love it, but it’s across town and afraid when he starts school he’ll have detachment issue from friends he’s made. Any advice?
Glad you found the article helpful. Since your son’s been at a daycare center for 2 yrs., he’s certainly become accustomed to its routine and familiar faces. When he starts school, you can “prep” him by reminding him of how he made friends at daycare and how he will make new school friends. Be positive but don’t push too hard or you’ll heighten his anxiety. Remember, at this age, it’s quality not quantity that counts; if he makes one good friend that is healthy and typical. Avoid focusing on making a ton of friends.
You can also have a play date where he meets with his former daycare friends. This way you model how to keep in touch while making new friends.
My 2 yr old is very shy of strangers, would it be wise to put her in a playschool at this age