Some people think that preschool is just another needless expense; they say that it is just another glorified daycare center, and that their kids would be better off just waiting until they are eligible for enrollment in kindergarten.
On the other hand, there are also some people who think that it is important that kids can get acquainted with school as early as they can, and that Preschools can help kids attain their full potential.
If you have a kid that is roughly preschool age, and you are confused as to whether you should enroll him/her right now, or just wait until he/she is older and enroll her in a mandatory kindergarten class, this article will serve as your guide to making the right decision for you and your kid.
What is a preschool?
A preschool is an early childhood learning program wherein children learn through a combination of actual teaching and playtime, which is why it is also called play school. There are no set age as to when a child can enroll in a preschool, but the usual age that children attend is between the ages of three and five years old. However, there are some schools that accept children as young as two years old enrolled in the learning program.
Just to make things clear, there is one distinction that differentiates preschools from daycare centers. The emphasis of preschools is on the learning and development of the children, while daycare centers usually just offer a place where busy parents can drop off their young kids so they can go to work or do their errands. However, some daycare centers do have some learning activities so that the kids also learn quite a bit.
Advantages of Preschools
Contrary to what some people think, some children who attended a good preschool had their lives changed for the better. During the first five years of their lives, children get the basic capabilities that will prepare them for what life has in store for them.
Quite a lot of studies have shown that preschools, especially the high-quality ones, improve children’s achievements, behavior and decorum, and readiness for mandatory school; this last one is especially evident in children who grew up in economically-challenged neighborhoods. Following up on the children who were subjects of these studies many years after they attended preschool, the researchers that the now grown up children are earning more money than the median, have more stable home lives, and are more adjusted and well-balanced citizens overall.
Children who attended preschool are more prepared to enter mandatory kindergarten, both socially and academically. Preschool teaches kids how to make friends and how to play nice with others. They also get taught the basics of reading and writing, which gives them an edge over the other kids who enter kindergarten without prior schooling.
Is preschool a requirement?
No, preschool is not a requirement for kids to enter kindergarten, it is totally up to you if your kids enroll or not. However, if you want to give your kids a headstart on their learning, it is in your best interest to enroll them in a good preschool program when the time comes.