Preschool programs have rapidly become widespread in recent years, with many kids experiencing their first school milestone even earlier. The National Center for Education Statistics said that 68% of four-year-olds and 40% of three-year-olds were enrolled in a preschool program in 2017. Many people assume that preschool is simply a bonus education program for the kids, but that is not the case. There are many undeniable benefits of preschool education for kids.
The human brain grows exponentially between birth and age six, which is why preschool comes in at the best time to develop every aspect of the child’s growth for lasting lifetime results. Preschools such as the Kiddie Castle serve as the foundation for a child’s learning in the following ways.
It helps kids adjust to kindergarten.
It is a significant milestone for the child to adjust to the workings of a classroom for the initial time in kindergarten. Preschool programs, even those scheduled as part-time, help children through this transition. The exposure to school settings and routines during preschool prepares their minds for the structure of kindergarten. In preschool, they learn the basic things such as taking care of their items and washing hands which prepares them for the expectations in kindergarten.
It is the foundation for social and emotional development.
Preschool programs are more of developing social and emotional skills rather than academic development. In preschool, kids learn skills such as sharing, showing empathy to classmates, and self-regulating their emotions. These skills lay the foundation for moving on to academic development. For instance, the kids learn how to handle small things such as losing a toy or sitting attentively and listening to a story without interrupting, which creates the foundation for self-regulation.
Enhances physical development
If you are still wondering why choose Kiddie Castle or a preschool program for your child, think about your child’s physical development. Preschool environments are designed to give the kids what they need to promote their physical development, especially during recess breaks. The fact is physical development impacts directly on a child’s ability to learn. For instance, fine motor skills are necessary for a child to be able to hold a pencil and write or draw. Gross motor skills allow the child to balance and coordinate whole-body actions. In simple words, preschool helps kids make body-mind connections that make them physically stable and boost their self-confidence.
Preschool teaches kids to follow instructions.
Many students face the frustration of having to talk repeatedly when their child is ignoring them. A good thing about preschool education is that it teaches kids how to follow simple instructions. Simple things such as queuing to wash hands or to use the toilet teaches them how to listen to higher authority figures. This is important as they transition to kindergarten.
Reduces the need for special education
According to a US education report, children who enroll in high-quality preschool programs are less likely to utilize special education services. Special education is provided to kids who are not achieving the right developmental milestones at the same rate as their peers. Although special education is mandatory for such kids, preschool programs prevent such kids from falling behind in the first place.
Preschool is more than just kids’ play. Preschool programs lay the foundation for the child’s learning experience.