The Academy of Forrest Crossing Online Newsletter: The importance of preschool

Why is Preschool Important?

When you made the decision to enroll your child in Early Childhood Education, what was your biggest fear? Was it that you worried about how your child would handle the separation? Or maybe you considered just waiting until elementary school came around because well, how important is preschool really? Our goal is to remind you to be confident in your choice to send your child to preschool! Preschool is the very beginning of the rest of their lives in learning. Our mission here at AOFC, is to create a safe, fun, and loving environment to enrich each child’s opportunity to grow, learn, and play in a structured (but really fun) environment. I remember being 4-5 years old in a preschool for the first time. I don’t remember much but what I do remember is my teacher, two friends I had, and standing at the sand table laughing with those two friends. The connections that I made at such a young age have stuck with me for all of these years and that alone reminds me of the importance of preschool. Children between the ages of 2-6 are little sponges, soaking up everything going on around them. They are starting to repeat things you say, asking “why?” frequently, and saying things to you that have you questioning, “where did you learn that from!?” This is an important time for us as teachers to equip your child with the skills they will need in life. I have listed below 5 reasons why choosing to enroll your little into an Early Childhood Education program is the best decision you’ll ever make!

1.) The benefits of preschool last

As I mentioned earlier, I have a few vivid memories from my time in preschool and while I wish I could remember more, the sand box had a pretty lasting effect! You may be thinking, “my child is only 3 and I don’t remember anything from that age, so is preschool REALLY going to make a significant impact on my child’s life?” Yes. The answer is yes! The first 5 years of a child’s life are crucial to the brains ability to create connections. Many longitudinal studies conducted around long-term effects of preschool show a strong relationship between preschool attendance and success in diverse areas of life. It is believed that children who attend preschool are more likely to be successful in kindergarten. I do believe that it is often forgotten that the groundwork for elementary school begins in preschool.

2.) Playful learning

I have heard my fair share of “preschool isn’t really school, they just play all day!” Or, “you’re just a glorified babysitter.” It’s true, these kiddos DO play a lot and it may come as a surprise to you that there is so much learning that develops through play. These children are observing their surroundings, creating bonds with other children, and learning to just experience the world a bit more deeply. By encouraging free play, each child builds critical thinking skills and curiosity that they need to develop! Teachers provide different hands-on activities such as sensory play, play-dough, puzzles, sand and water play, and activities to get them moving outside. We are here to create lasting and important memories for both your child, and you!

3.) Promoting Social and Emotional learning

I love the end of the day when children are leaving and I hear their parents asking how their day was. Often times the response is “good,” but playing with their friends is always their favorite thing to talk about! Connections are extremely important for children under 5. Connections with their parents, friends, and teachers create a sense of calm along with feeling safe in their environment. Our teachers find it most important to create a close and personal relationship with each child. I always think it’s so amazing to have a village of people at your child’s preschool that loves them unconditionally. Preschool allows each child to build trust with people outside of their family. This is so important so your child can also learn to trust the other children around them and how to begin making friends. This is when your child will also learn how to play with other children in a group setting, problem solve, and develop empathy for others. Children learn those social skills and emotional self-control in their comfort zones at school. With their being 20+ other children in a preschool classroom, children learn through experience. If your child is struggling with a bit of frustration or anger, often times teachers will first let that child try and work through the situation on their own because teachers do not want to immediately resolve the situation for them. Of course if the teacher needs to intervene they will, and when the situation is resolved, instead of shaming the child about their frustration and anger, your child's teacher will encourage them and show them the impact of their behavior. Early Childhood Educators are trained professionals with many different strategies for redirecting children and encouraging language skills. Preschool provides the environment for children to strengthen their social and emotional development while also gaining that sense of self and self-confidence.

4.) Promoting Language and Cognitive Skills

Children love to talk. We have all experienced that two year old who just truly found their voice and talks.... and talks, and talks some more! “Why?” That’s a word you frequently hear with that same sweet two year old over and over. While some may be sitting their praying you’ve heard it for the last time in that moment, just remember that each time you respond to the “why?” you are enriching your child’s language development! Preschool creates that language-rich environment. Our teachers are frequently engaging with their kiddos through open-ended questions. They are providing and introducing new vocabulary through singing, reading lots of books, and play! Children learn so well when the activities provided are interesting to them. These sweet kiddos love reading, singing all of the songs, musical instruments, and story telling! A quality early childhood program teaches children different cognitive, language, and social and emotional skills that are different from the way they learn at home. Preschool provides children with many different challenges that while they may be fun, they are designed to improve those cognitive skills. Teachers love being a witness to preschool giving each child that sense of confidence that "hey, I can do these things on my own without mom and dad!" They learn that they are capable, strong, and smarter then they know. How cool is it for parents to witness the confidence they gain from being at school?

5.) Relationships

This is a personal favorite to all of us at Forrest Crossing! We have lots of families that have been with us since day one a little over four years ago now- how awesome is that? We have been able to watch these littles grow from 6 weeks old until now, many of them being 3. We have been there on that first day when mom and dad are putting all of their trust into us and their child’s teacher. That is huge y’all! It is truly important to us to create those bonds with each individual family and to help with creating peace of mind that their little is safe. We are very grateful to have such amazing families with whom we have built life-long friendships :) Our teachers are so amazing with their attachments to each child. Children rely on consistency and understanding. Each educator promotes healthy attachments and encourages positive behaviors. Children need those healthy attachments while at school, as this gives them a sense of security and self-confidence. Our role as educators is to be consistent, be involved, teach those little sponges in ways that catch their attention, and to support each family with their own personal attachments with their child, reminding them that they are the most important person in their little ones life! We have many families that have become good friends with other families during their time here. We love hearing all of the moms and dads connecting with others during our continental breakfast each morning. These relationships that will last forever is what it’s all about. We have many different special occasions throughout the year where parents are invited to come to their child’s classroom and participate! We have built this amazing community that proves preschool is important, and not just for the child but mom and dad too!

I didn't forget about our littlest friends and the importance of preschool for them! Our infant rooms have the sweetest of toys and play mats. The mirror for those babies practicing tummy time can look at themselves and wonder. The toy shelves are small, making it easy for those who are mobile to reach inside and grab a toy. The environment overall is soothing and calm, creating an atmosphere that does not overwhelm each child. For these sweet little ones the most important thing is interaction. Our teachers are constantly singing, reading, and talking non-stop! We incorporate familiarity by posting a photo of each child's family inside of their cribs, talking about the photo each time the child is placed in and out of their crib. They absolutely love being able to look at those photos :) Our educators are dedicated to supporting you and your family while bringing your baby to preschool for the first time. Communication is key, and we are here to provide you with every single detail each day of how your little one did! You will be so happy with your decision, I know it!