Choosing the best school and toddler program for your little one can be as stressful as applying to college, but it doesn’t have to be. Yes, there are a lot of things to consider and these things can overwhelm you. As a parent, you want what’s best for your child, but how do you decide? Don’t panic, take a deep breath and remember that you are doing this for your little one. Here are some things to consider to help you in your decision making.

Figure out the personality and needs of the child

This should be a major factor in your decision. Every child is different and finding an environment for them to excel and embrace their needs is important. Here are some questions to think about:

• Does the child need a program that will focus more on their motor skills?
• Are they  aloof or shy and in need of extra care from the educators?
• Or are they advanced or behind in verbal skills needing challenges to improve?

It is expected that classrooms will have children with diverse personalities and learning capacities. However, a preschool environment is designed to be a comfortable setting for toddlers. It’s important to consider this so that you can set your child up for optimum learning. You can ask questions at each school that you are considering so that you’ll be sure that your child’s needs are met.

Check that  the school has proper credentials

There are so many private preschools available  that they make their own rules. To ensure that these schools are right for your child, ask if the teachers have ECE (Early Childhood Education) degrees and have CDA credentials. Also,ask  if the school is accredited. It’s also a plus if the classroom teachers and staff are certified in CPR and first aid.

Does  the school’s educational philosophy matches yours?

The bulk of a child’s brain development occurs in their first five years and this is the best time to expose your child to more learning. Teachers have different ways, approaches, and views on educating young minds. Some preschools are completely play-based, while others have lessons for letters and number to prepares kids for kindergarten. There are also schools that have discovery-based programs that don’t  only focus on drills and practice skills.

The structure is essential, but parents should also look for a school that gives children the opportunity to learn by choice. Parents should also consider the openness between the school and the family in choosing a toddler daycare. It is important that the school welcomes and encourages the family to stop by any time. The program should also include regular feedback on the child’s development in school. Open communication is important for staying  updated on your child’s progress.

What do you think will be best for your child? This all comes down to learning style and how you prepare them for school at home.

Discipline

A parent’s ultimate goal is to raise their children to be well behaved human beings with proper traits and discipline. While kids are young, it’s the perfect time to instill in them the values you want them to have. This is another important factor to consider in choosing the right preschool for your young one. Ask the school how they deal with child behavior. Ask them how they deal with conflict if it arises in the classroom. It’s important that you agree with the preschool’s disciplinary action and their approach to correcting children.

What is the school’s nutrition policy?

This is another factor to consider in you search. Children can be greatly influenced by their peers at this age. If other kids like to eat fruit, your child will probably also grow to love eating fruit. This goes both ways, too, and they may be negatively influenced. Ask the school if they provide healthy lunches and r snacks, or do you need to prepare their meals at home. If the school provides meals , ask them what they typically serve. Make sure to voice concerns if your child has food allergies, too.

Is the school convenient?

Does the preschool’s time fit into your schedule? Can you drop your child off at the neighborhood daycare or is on the  way to your office? Are you looking for a half-day program or do you prefer a full-day one? Generally, schools go for 5 days a week, depending on a child’s age and the school itself. Some programs allow extended pick up  times for those who have to work late.

Is it a Safe environment?

Last but not the least, safety is, of course, the number one thing you should look at when you are choosing a preschool. How does the school ensure a child’s safety? How do they keep track of the pickups after school? How do they respond to accidents when they happen? These are some basic things that you should ask if you are looking for a safe school environment.

Attending preschool or toddler daycare will prepare your child for kindergarten. So it is important to carefully choose the school they’ll attend. Consider all of the options and pick the one that  is best using the tips above to guide you.

There are many things parents worry about when it comes to a daycare, which is perfectly normal. As a parent, it is natural to be concerned about leaving your little one in someone else’s care. Some people also believe that young children are better off at home. However, if you’re worried about putting your child in a daycare, know that a good quality daycare program is beneficial to toddlers in many ways. Daycare can help with their mental, social, and emotional growth and development. Read on to find out the amazing benefits that a daycare can offer your child.

More opportunities to grow

A quality daycare program is important to a child’s future success. In a high-quality daycare, teachers and care providers are capable of dealing with toddlers’ tantrums and behavioral problems. At the same time, kids are also given plenty of opportunities to socialize and learn. The daycare environment gives them the affection and stimulation they need while growing up.

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What does my child need to know for Kindergarten?

Every new parent wonders what the answer to this question is. Especially when their child begins closing in on the magic age of five. The best thing parents can do is make sure you prepare your child for Kindergarten. If you aren’t sure how to do that, then it’s time to do some research. Whether you teach your child at home or send them to a trustworthy preschool in Colorado Springs, consider signing your child up for summer preschool before entering Kindergarten.

Here are 13 great reasons why summer preschool is a good way to prepare children for Kindergarten:

When School Starts, They’ll Be Focused Instead Of Distracted By Separation

Most children become upset, frightened, or anxious the first few days of Kindergarten. Having experience at a summer program makes children less likely to display those emotions and more likely to remain calm and focused.

They Will Become Comfortable In A Social Setting

Preschool gives children a chance to participate in a socially engaging environment. They can become comfortable in such a setting before Kindergarten begins.

They Will Be Familiar With The Structure Of A School Day

School is almost always the first time children experience a routine schedule from day to day. It can take a little while for kids to make adjustments and adapt to an everyday schedule. A summer session will not only introduce a routine to children but also allows them to adjust to it before entering Kindergarten.

The Routine Will Prepare Their Body And Mind For The School Day

Until they reach school age, children usually wake up when they are ready, and very few of them are likely to take a nap at the same time either. A summer course will assist in giving the child a more definitive sleep schedule.

They Will Gain An Understanding Of The Student/Teacher Relationship

For most kids, other than their parents, a teacher is the first person of authority they meet. Children will learn how to approach and communicate with teachers appropriately and with respect.

They Can Start Academics

Counting to 20, the alphabet and more is taught to prepare the kids for Kindergarten. They often start to read small words and expand their vocabulary. Summer preschool is a nice head start for the child as well as the Kindergarten teacher.

Start Building Friendships With Peers

For many children, school is the first time they are able to interact with other kids in their own age. This can lead to some awkward times. Some children with siblings will try to establish a ‘pecking order’ while others may be more reserved due to being the only child. Why not let them work out the awkwardness during summer preschool to allow the kids more comfort when they enter Kindergarten.

Learn Respect And How To Be Courteous To Peers

Regardless, learning respect and being courteous to others is still very important. Both are characteristics the children will apply to everyone they meet, not just other kids.

Learn How To Share And Take Turns

Patience is part of sharing and taking turns, and patience is a virtue. Better to learn and develop patience as early as possible, right?

Understand What Is Expected Of Them And What They Should Expect From School

They start to understand what is expected of them in regards to classwork and behavior. Children come to rely on the structure of the class, which helps to reduce anxiety about not knowing what to do. It better prepares them for entering grade school.

Listen And Absorb Information

Getting into the habit of listening to and focusing on everything being said is another great characteristic. The sooner a child develops this skill, the better. Our preschool in Colorado Springs will build on these skills while making learning fun.

Preschool Fills The Summer With Activities

Give your children some summer enrichment and fun by filling it with activities. A summer preschool session will do exactly that. Activities that are age appropriate and keep children engaged is what you can expect in a summer program.

Creates Opportunities For Parents To Provide Positive Reinforcement

A summer program like Kindergarten preparation will also create reasons for parents to talk with their child. Giving parents a chance to provide positive reinforcement to the child for their effort and successes during the summer. Stressing about Kindergarten can take the fun out of an enjoyable experience. Whether or not you know how to prepare your child for Kindergarten, consider enrolling your child in summer preschool. The benefits are tremendous, and everyone comes out winning in the end, especially the children.