Kindergarten Readiness Archives

Important Questions to Ask When Choosing A Preschool for your Child

February 23, 2023 by Children Central

Choosing the right preschool for your child is an important decision as a parent. A good preschool can lay the foundation for a child’s love of learning, social skills, and emotional development. But with so many options available, it can take time to figure out where to start. That’s why it’s crucial to ask the right questions when choosing a preschool for your child.

This article will explore the importance of asking the right questions. We’ll also provide you with specific questions about the factors you need to consider. Factors include the school’s philosophy, the qualifications of the teachers, the curriculum, and more. We guarantee that by asking these questions, you can choose the right preschool to help your child thrive.

Essential Factors to Consider About the School

Before we discuss the specific questions about the program to enroll your child in, let’s first get down to the nitty-gritty. Remember that when you commit your child to a preschool, you entrust them with your child’s upbringing and safety.

Talking to the preschool director can give you invaluable information about these things. Ask questions to help you evaluate whether the school’s standards align with yours. Gathering this information lets, you feel at ease about your child’s well-being.

Philosophies and Teaching Methods

One of the first things you’ll want to know is the school’s approach to early childhood education. Are they play-based, Montessori-inspired, or academic-focused? Understanding the school’s philosophy will help you determine if it aligns with your values and goals for your child. Also, ask about their teaching methods. And how they approach discipline and social-emotional development.

Qualification and Experiences of the Teachers

The quality of the teachers at a preschool is crucial to your child’s experience. You’ll want to know their qualifications. Ask about their level of education and certification in early childhood education. Talk to the teachers and ask about their experience working with young children. Learn how they handle challenging behaviors and create a positive learning environment.

Classroom Set Up and Size

The physical environment of a preschool can significantly impact your child’s experience. That’s why it’s also essential to ask about the classroom setup. Ask about the layout of the room, the ventilation, and the equipment available.

Knowing the class size and the teacher-to-child ratio is essential too. Since this can affect how much individual attention your child will receive.

Safety and Security Measures

More importantly, you want to ensure your child is safe and secure at school. Ask about the school’s policies regarding visitors and drop-off and pick-up. Consider their emergency procedures too. Ask them how they handle medical issues or allergies. Lastly, ask how the school screens its staff and if they conduct background checks.

Questions to Ask About the Curriculum

Now, it’s time to talk about the curriculum. Ensure that it aligns with your child’s needs and learning capacity. And if it is competent enough to prepare them for future academic success. Here are some questions to ask about the curriculum when evaluating a preschool:

Appropriate Activities

Is the curriculum appropriate for your child’s age and stage of development?
Are the activities designed to help your child develop socially, emotionally, and cognitively?
What types of play-based learning activities are available?
How do they foster your child’s creativity and problem-solving skills?

Diversity and Cultural Education

Does the curriculum promote diversity and cultural education?
How does the school incorporate diversity into its curriculum? Does it teach the children to celebrate different cultures and traditions?
Are the teachers trained in cultural competence?

Preparing Children for Kindergarten

How does the preschool prepare children for kindergarten?
What specific skills will your child learn in preschool?
How will they be ready to transition to elementary school?
Is there a focus on early literacy and math skills? How are these concepts introduced and reinforced?

Regular Assessments and Evaluations

How are children assessed and evaluated in preschool?
Are there regular assessments to track your child’s progress? How is this information shared with parents?
How do teachers use assessment data to guide and support their child’s development?

By understanding the preschool curriculum, parents can ensure their child receives a well-rounded education promoting growth and development.

Questions to Ask About Communication

Effective communication between parents and the school is important too. Parents must be well-informed and able to participate in their child’s education actively. And in turn, the school needs to be responsive to your needs and concerns. Here are some questions to ask about communication when evaluating a preschool:

Parent-Teacher Conferences

How frequently are parent-teacher conferences held? What information is shared during these meetings?
Will you receive updates on your child’s progress, areas of growth, and ways to support their learning at home?
Are there opportunities for informal check-ins with teachers outside of scheduled conferences?

Weekly or Monthly Newsletters

Does the school provide regular updates to parents through newsletters? Are there other forms of communication?
What types of information are typically included in these updates? How frequently are they sent out?
Will you receive important updates about upcoming events or changes to the school schedule?

Communication Channels

What communication channels are available to parents
How quickly can you expect a response from teachers or administrators?
Is there an online portal to view your child’s attendance and other important information?
Can you communicate with teachers via email or text?
Are they responsive to parent inquiries?

Handling Concerns or Complaints

What is the protocol for addressing concerns or complaints?
How does the school handle these issues?
Are there established procedures for resolving conflicts or addressing grievances? How are parents involved in this process?

Questions to Ask About Logistics

Moreover, logistics are essential when choosing a preschool for your child. Here are some questions to ask about logistics when evaluating a preschool:

Schedules of Hours and Operations

What are the school’s hours of operation, and what is your child’s class schedule?
Are there options for half-day or full-day programs, and what is the daily routine for children?
How often are breaks or nap times scheduled?

Enrollment and Tuition Policies

What is the enrollment process, and what are the requirements for admission?
What is the school’s policy for tuition and fees?
Are there any discounts or scholarships available?
Are there any additional costs associated with extracurricular activities or materials?

Availability of Before-and-After-School Care

Does the school offer before-and-after-school care?
What are the hours of these programs?
Is there an additional cost for these services?
What types of activities are offered during these times?
Are these programs staffed by qualified teachers or caregivers?

Availability of Lunch or Snack Options

Does the school provide lunch or snack options?
What is the cost of these services?
Are these meals prepared on-site or brought in from an outside vendor?
What options are available for children with food allergies or dietary restrictions?

Conclusion

Choosing a preschool for your child can be an overwhelming and intimidating process. Parents should take the time to research different schools and ask questions. Evaluate as many options as you deem necessary to make an informed decision.

Asking the right questions about communication channels, policies, and logistics can help you find a good school. A preschool that meets your family’s needs while providing a safe and enriching learning environment for their child. Also, remember that each school and program has its unique benefits. Ultimately, it is up to you to determine which option will be the best fit for your child.

At Children Central, we aim to provide a bright start for your early learner. We always keep in mind your child’s well-being. We take pride in our highly-qualified teachers to keep your children happy and constantly learning new things. Visit us to learn more!

6 Ways How to Prepare Child for Preschool

February 4, 2019 by Children Central

Preschool education is one of the important keys to a child’s academic success. In preschool, children are exposed to letters, numbers, shapes and other essential foundations of learning. It is also in preschool that kids learn the skills that help them become successful individuals. While preschool can benefit your child in more ways than one, sending them to one is a huge transition. [Read more…] about 6 Ways How to Prepare Child for Preschool

7 Things Your Child Will Learn in our Langhorne Preschool

January 25, 2018 by Children Central

As a parent, it is important to understand that your child’s early years are crucial in their development. To help them reach their highest potential, you should choose a preschool that will give them well-rounded experiences and allow them to grow in various areas. Children Central, our Langhorne preschool, offers a program that focuses on holistic child growth and development. Not only does our program promote brain development in children; it also promotes emotional development.

If you are considering a preschool like Children Central, here are seven things that your child will learn in our Langhorne Center.

The Alphabet

One of the most important things your preschooler will ever learn is the alphabet. This is essential to their pre-reading skills. Our Langhorne preschool does more than just teach kids how to sing the ABC song. Children learn about letters and how these letters correspond with sounds to form words. We will teach them how to recognize both uppercase and lowercase letters. They will also learn to recognize words that are meaningful to them as well as their own names.

Numbers

Numbers are another important lesson that our Langhorne preschool teaches kids. We prepare kids for when they proceed to Kindergarten. This means even if your children are preschool age, they will already be learning the foundations of mathematics. They will be taught how to count and memorize the order of numbers. Then they will also associate numbers with objects as they correspond.

Kids learn about colors and shapes in preschool

Colors and shapes

Your preschoolers will also learn how to identify and name colors and shapes. This will help further develop their creativity, as well as their language skills. Learning about shapes is also an important step to prepare them for Geometry lessons in the coming years.

Socialization and independence

Before your little ones start Kindergarten, they should have a sense of independence. They should also be comfortable socializing and connecting with their peers and teachers. These are some of the things that they will learn from our Langhorne preschool. Here, they will be given activities that will teach them how to follow simple instructions. Kids will also learn how to work with a group and communicate effectively. This is the perfect time for them to feel confident around others and do activities on their own without their parents.

Learning through playing

In our Langhorne preschool, we make sure that your kids will love the whole learning experience. It’s not always about academics. Your children will be given more opportunities to learn through play. Play is critical to the development of a child. This is an excellent activity for them to express themselves and their creativity. Through play, they develop better memory, attention, problem-solving skills and language use. There will be a balance between seated activities and play to make sure that your child maximizes learning in our preschool.

Kids who are sent to preschool are better prepared for Kindergarten

Early Science concepts

Children at Children Central will also learn about how the world works. They will be encouraged to observe and explore their environment. They are given the opportunity to ask as many questions as they want to expand their vocabulary and knowledge.

Fine and gross motor skills

Preschool is the best time for your kids to practice their fine and gross motor skills. In our Langhorne preschool, they will get to practice their motor skills by means of helpful activities like making arts and crafts. They will learn how to use scissors for better eye and hand coordination. This is when they can fine tune their grip and finger strength. Gross motor skills are also being taught at this stage, too. Your kids will be given the chance to have a lot of active play and outdoor activities to enhance coordination.

If you are considering a Langhorne preschool for your child, you can be assured that you’re making the right decision. We have a preschool program tailored to suit the needs of your kids.

5 Ways Summer School Helps Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten

July 25, 2017 by Children Central

What Does My Child Need To Know For Kindergarten?

Summer school helps kids socialize

If you’re a panicked parent right now questioning whether your child is going to be ready for kindergarten in the fall, summer school might be the right answer. More and more children are participating in these programs, and their parents see great results. If your child didn’t go to preschool, a kindergarten prep program is even more essential.

Below are five important ways that school in the summertime helps in preparing your child for kindergarten in the fall.

Trustworthy Preschools In Yardley Give Children An Educational Head Start

Children who enroll in a summer program before they start kindergarten often have more knowledge than their peers. Learning the alphabet and how to count, as well as basic math, reading, science and social studies subjects will all be covered in a quality summer program. Your child will have a larger vocabulary and develop the ability to ask questions. This will be of great help in their academic career. These programs will also nurture your child’s curiosity. Parents can help encourage their child by teaching them basic skills at home, like math, and reading to them often.

How to Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten

April 19, 2017 by Children Central

What are steps you can take to prepare your child for kindergarten right now? Kindergarten readiness is an important topic for parents, and it can be extremely overwhelming. How do you know if your child is ready for kindergarten? There are guidelines that help educators and parents alike understand if a child is ready for kindergarten.

Kindergarten Readiness Categories

Kindergarten readiness can be broken down into various categories: physical, emotional and social, and academic. Academic kindergarten readiness includes math, listening, and language skills.

Some of the most important skills on a kindergarten readiness checklist involve your child’s ability to help herself or himself going to the bathroom and getting dressed. If you are not entirely sure where to start, self-help and hygiene tasks can be a starting point.

The physical elements to consider are gross motor skills and fine motor skills. Activities that use gross motor skills include running, jumping, climbing stairs, and more. Activities using fine motor skills include using writing utensils and child-safe scissors. Work on gross and fine motor skills by playing outside with your child or having an arts and crafts afternoon on a rainy day!

Emotional and Social Skills

KindergartenReadiness Activities | Children Central in Langhorne

Your child must be comfortable with age mates

You want that first day of school to be one you will remember as a proud parent for years to come. If your child throws a fit the moment you leave, you may not feel so proud. You can build your child’s social skills by making sure he or she spends time with people besides immediate family members. This can help your child feel comfortable when a parent is not around.

Make sure your little one spends time with other grownups. Ask a trusted grownup if he or she would be willing to watch your child so that your child can be comfortable about people who are not parents. Take advantage of this kindergarten readiness activity by scheduling some “me time” and taking the night off! Schedule a date night or a girl’s night out while your child is with an adult you trust.

Teach your child to wait his or her turn by introducing the concept of taking turns into daily life at home. Children learn by observation, so use “please” and “thank you” with your other family members to teach your child to use them. The ability play and share with other children is a sign of being ready for kindergarten.

Math Skills

Prepare your child for kindergarten and years in the classroom to come by introducing math concepts and counting. You can practice math skills at home with your child by counting the number of stuffed animals on the bed or the number of carrots on your child’s plate.

Listening Skills

This category serves as an introduction to teaching children to read. By the time your child enters kindergarten, your child is expected to recognize his or her own name on paper. You can help your child in this area by reading to your little one at bedtime. Your child will start to recognize certain words and sounds. Teach your child how to recite the alphabet and the different sounds each letter can make. These are just a few ways to help your child be ready for kindergarten!

Language Skills

Preapre your child for Kindergarten | Children Central in Langhorne

Kids should be able to express themselves

The basic language skills for kindergarten readiness focus on a child being able to express himself or herself to an adult using words. Does your child use words to tell you what he or she wants? This is a great start.

Extensive research has shown that young children’s minds are flexible enough to learn multiple languages at a young age. Introducing your child to another language with a Spanish class for toddlers can increase your child’s likelihood of becoming fluent later in life.

At Children Central, Miss Edivia teaches Spanish for our Preschool and Pre-K classes. Language skills are essential for your child’s success in elementary school, so why not work on multiple languages? Start working on how to teach your toddler how to read Spanish with picture books. You may even be able to get the same books in English and Spanish!

Kindergarten Readiness Activities at Langhorne Preschool, Children Central

Children Central Child Care and Learning Center offers a Pre-Kindergarten class that features the Happily Ever After Reading Readiness Program. This program integrates early reading skills with other forms of language development. Your child will be engaged in reading, writing, speaking, and listening to develop well-rounded language skills and accelerate learning. Our kindergarten readiness activities are multimodal in order to cater to each learning style.

Children Central is rated as a Keystone STARS 4 child care center, which is the highest rating given. The Keystone STARS 4 rating indicates stellar teacher education and qualifications and a safe and welcoming learning environment. According to the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), “The percentage of four-year olds with proficient academic and social skills doubled to 81 percent after participating in Keystone STARS 3 and 4 programs.”

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