Frequently Asked Questions about Early Education
One of your major concerns as a parent will be to oversee your child’s education. The preparation your child will receive in elementary and high school will prepare them for college or for their first job. According to We Have Kids, teaching young children should ideally begin with a preschool program. Allowing children to begin their education in preschool will help prepare them for the learning experiences and social settings of elementary school.
According to We Have Kids, the best early childhood education programs combine preschoolers’ love for playing games with ideas that will turn those games into lessons. Kids’ games can be turned into counting exercises or incorporate the matching of colors. Children can also express their creativity through art and musical expression. Language skills will develop naturally as young kids communicate with each other during the games.
Training programs for preschool teachers should include a curriculum that includes early child development classes. Preschool programs aren’t merely daycare supervisors – although daycare programs serve a valid need. Child development programs can be the difference between leading your class in a game and helping them adopt cognitive skills.
If you are a parent, you already understand the importance of your child’s education. But there is no universal guide to parenting, and navigating the right school with the right educational direction for your child can be difficult. Here are some questions that many parents may have when considering the options for their children’s education.
Should I enroll my child in preschool?
A great amount of research can be found on the benefits that receiving an education prior to attending kindergarten can have for a child. The benefits of preschool have shown to improve children’s development all the way through adolescence and into young adulthood.
What Should I Look For in a School?
There’s no right answer to this question, because it is entirely dependent on the needs and wants of you and your children. There are a plethora of options available depending on where you live, so it is important to sit down and consider some goals you have for your child’s education. Do you want to look for a school with an emphasis on athletic activity, or social skill-building? How about creativity? Check out what options are available near where you live, talk to teachers and principals, visit a school or two and find out what works for you.
Private or Public School?
Another question with no right answer, deciding between private or public school for your children is a decision based upon several factors. Public school has worked for countless numbers of people, but there have been shown to be educational benefits from sending your child to private school. Student-to-teacher ratios are, on average, lower at private schools, meaning more one-on-one time for your child with their instructor.
What About Summer Camp?
Summer camp is just as popular a summer right of passage for youngsters today as it was during the days of yesteryear. Each year, more than 11 million people across the country, adults and kids, attend summer camp. It’s a great place for kids to meet new friends and learn new skills and activities. A study by the American Camp Association showed that 63% of kids will continue to follow through with new interests and hobbies they learn at camp after they leave. It’s an incredible way to help encourage and enable your child’s development!
Do you have grown children? What was your thought process on their early education? Let us know in the comments below!