Beginning the journey
Preschool is a big step for both you and your child, so it is important to make certain the one you choose is the right one for them.
After all, it is usually your little one’s first taste of true independence and possibly the first time they will have been separated from you on a regular basis.
And it is only natural that you will want to choose the best preschool possible for your child. But what should you look for? Research shows that the most important thing to consider when choosing the right preschool is the teacher.
All preschool teachers should be well qualified or trained, and show an interest in your child’s particular needs.
The preschool programme itself is also a very important component of the equation.
Small children require an atmosphere that is relaxed and low-key, with plenty of time for them to pursue their own interests.
For instance you might see in the morning for as much as an hour, many different activities for children to engage themselves in.
This is the time when the sand and water play areas are utilised, along with dress-ups, blocks, puzzles and paints.
There should be plenty of time allowed for these individual activities to take place.
In addition there needs to be a time when the children congregate on the mat to take part in group activities like singing and games.
However, it is important that these group activities are brief and pleasant and not dominated by requirements to sit up and sit still.
Overall, preschool should be far less structured than what your child will experience when they reach school level, where their formal education begins in earnest.
It is important when visiting selected preschools that you ask plenty of questions, speak to the teachers and other parents.
Listen to your intuition, if you feel relaxed and comfortable about sending your child to a particular preschool, then it is more than likely, so too will your child.
Be positive - children absorb a parent’s anxiety, so be optimistic and confident for your child.
Let your child know that it is natural to be a little nervous anytime you start something new but that it will be just fine once he or she becomes familiar with classmates, the teacher and preschool routine.
Paint a colourful picture of preschool for your children.
Show them that school is a great place to be and encourage them to enjoy the learning process.
If you promote this attitude from their early years, your kids will feel that school is interesting and will be excited about learning new things.
You can teach your children to look forward to Monday mornings, and to going back to school at the end of the summer holidays.
If your children love to learn, your job as a parent will be that much easier.