Choosing the right preschool program for your child can feel overwhelming with so many options available. A great place to start is by touring recommended programs, and spending time in the environment to see how it feels. It’s good to ask yourself, “Can I picture my child here?” Trusting your instincts as a parent is important, as you are the one who truly knows best. Hopefully a tour is available, as I would be hesitant to enroll my child in a preschool that doesn't offer a tour or the opportunity to visit the facility and ask questions.
When caregivers think about their child’s school readiness, they often focus on academic skills like counting, recognizing letters, or writing their name. In reality, the skills that prepare a child for success in school and set the foundation for lifelong learning are much more fundamental. In my work as a child and family psychologist, I consistently see four key readiness skills that, when underdeveloped, can create challenges for children:
First of all, as parents of “pandemic babies,” there must be a recognition that those “boxes” were created for a pandemic-free environment. You have been parenting babies and toddlers in a situation that is unprecedented and educators are aware that there will be deficits in some areas of development.
Every parent wants their child to be prepared and ready for school. However, some parents think that preschool is an unnecessary frill, but they couldn’t be more wrong. Preschool is about more than ABCs, numbers, and childcare. After almost two years of a global pandemic, preschoolers are in desperate need for interaction with other preschoolers. Thankfully, the Government of Alberta has recognized the importance of early childhood education and is offering subsidies on the same criteria as daycares.
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