What to Look for in a Preschool

First-time parents may wonder what to look for when considering a preschool for their child. Joyce Murphy, director of The College of Wooster's Nursery School, offers some valuable advice as well as other things to consider when faced with making that decision.

Q. What should parents look for in choosing a preschool?

A. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) offers 10 Signs of a Great Preschool: (1) Children spend most of their time playing with materials or other children. They are not expected to sit quietly for long periods of time; (2) Children have access to various activities; (3) Teachers work with individual children and in groups; (4) The classroom is decorated with children's artwork; (5) Children learn numbers and the alphabet through their everyday experiences; (6) Children have long periods of time to play and explore; (7) Children have an opportunity to play outside; (8) Teachers read books to children individually and in groups; (9) Teachers recognize children's unique learning abilities; (10) Children look forward to school. For the full reference and other helpful information, visit Early Years are Learning Years at http://www.naeyc.org.

Q. How do I know if my son or daughter is ready for preschool?

A. Most preschools have an age requirement - typically that the child should be 3 years old upon entrance and toilet trained. Children mature at different rates in all developmental areas. When it comes to knowing if a child is ready for preschool it is important to look at each child individually. Some areas of development parents may look at are, separation issues, the child's ability to express immediate needs, and the child's interest and willingness to be part of a group setting. Even when there are concerns in a particular area, involvement in a preschool environment often strengthens a child's growth and development.

Q. What sorts of things do children learn in preschool?

A. Providing a variety of experiences that arouse a child's natural curiosity is a key to learning. In a preschool environment, children learn through play in their own individual way. For example, they can participate in many creative and expressive art experiences. They can build with blocks of many sizes and play counting games, which foster pre-math skills. Listening to stories and dictating their own stories strengthens pre-literacy skills. Caring for plants and animals, cooking and conducting small experiments opens the world of science. Children are encouraged to try something new. They also begin to understand what it takes to get along with others.

Q. Do students who attend preschool have an easier time adjusting to kindergarten and elementary school?

A. Obviously every child is different, but children who attend preschool have the opportunity to engage in social interactions with their peers and develop social skills. Preschool offers children the chance to separate from the home setting and learn to trust other adults. In addition, children have the world opened to them through a variety of developmentally appropriate activities, exploration and experimentation. The preschool setting exposes children to routines and transitions, which are important aspects in the formal educational setting. Experience with all of these components can help children adjust to kindergarten.

Q. Can preschool teachers identify children who may have special learning needs?

A. Experienced teachers can observe differences in developmental abilities in children. If a child is ahead for his or her age in a developmental area, teachers can provide stimulating and challenging learning opportunities within the classroom. If a child is showing some signs of a developmental delay, for example, in the areas of speech, language, hearing, or behavior, teachers are able to refer families to specialists for evaluation. It is very important to identify special learning needs early because early intervention is critical to helping children reach their potential.

Q. What are the strengths of The College of Wooster Nursery School?

A. The College of Wooster Nursery School is beginning its 57th year of operation. The Nursery School's purpose is to provide an environment that will help strengthen a child's intellectual, social, physical and emotional well being. A primary goal for every child entrusted in our care is the development of a positive self-concept. Children who feel good about themselves are more open to the social and physical world around them. The school believes strongly in the value of play, and provides materials, freedom, encouragement, and time for children to explore their world. Respect for nature, all living things, and each other is fostered. The involvement of College of Wooster students in psychology and education is a wonderful asset for the nursery school. Learn more about The College of Wooster Nursery School at http://www.wooster.edu/nurseryschool/.