Choosing a Preschool

Choosing a preschool can be a daunting task. Taking the steps to learn what each preschool has to offer is the first step in making the best possible choice for your preschooler. Preschool Rock.com Los Angeles is here to help you make your decision! If you have a preschool you would like to see featured on PreschoolRock.com Los Angeles, contact me. I'd be happy to review it for you!

Preschools can be split into two basic categories: developmental programs and academic programs.

Preschool Developmental Programs

Developmental preschool programs focus on learning through play. Most instruction is given indirectly and the child "acquires" new information as opposed to "learning" it. Participating in tasks that encourage fine and large motor development are quite common. Building with blocks, puzzle solving, clay manipulation, painting, coloring, circle time and outdoor play are some of the activities that preschoolers will enjoy at a developmental preschool. Some feel developmental learning is the most natural way to receive, store and apply new information. Others believe that playing should be a side activity secondary to direct instruction to maximize preschooler learning.

Preschool Academic Programs

Academic preschool programs are more structured in nature. They offer direct instruction and expect active participation on the part of the preschooler in learning, practicing and applying the material delivered. At an academically based preschool you will generally find children seated working on specific assignments. Recognizing and reproducing numbers, letters, colors, basic words and promoting phonetic awareness are usually goals that academic preschools hope to achieve. While some view this as the most effective method of teaching a preschooler, others feel that preschoolers actively involved in indirect (developmental) instruction learn as much, if not more, information as preschoolers in an academically based program.

Making the Choice

Choosing a preschool program that would best suit the needs of your preschooler is a very personal, individual decision. The choice must largely be based on the personality, developmental ability and learning style of your preschooler. If your preschooler has a hard time sitting still and is constantly in motion then they may benefit most from a developmental program. If you preschooler is intense and studious with a long attention span, they may find the academic program suits them better.

If you would like to see your daycare, preschool or kindergarten featured or listed on the PreschoolRock.com Los Angeles site, contact me for more information.