Sending your child to a private kindergarten is an awesome idea! Many children thrive in preschool and learn social behaviors. However, some children may not be ready for preschool and need a little extra time at home. Here are some ways you can decide if your child is ready for preschool.
The Right Age
Most preschools start accepting children at three years, though some may allow two-year-olds. Typically, preschool lasts from ages three to five, depending on your child. For example, some might benefit from going to preschool at six. Readiness varies based on the child.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 50% of three to four-year-olds and 86% of five-year-olds attend preschool. However, some children still aren’t ready. Carefully assess your child’s skills before signing them up for preschool.
The Right Skills
Yes, your child will learn many new skills in a private preschool. Most learn basic reading and math skills. Others learn proper school behavior. However, children in a preschool also need some basic self-care abilities. For instance, potty training is typically required for any child in a private preschool.
Other skills they should master include some self-dressing. They should know how to put on and take off their coats and shoes. Behavioral skills, such as following a simple schedule and cleaning up after themselves, are also important. Be honest about your child’s abilities before enrolling them.
Children should also know how to treat their peers with respect. For example, they must share their toys, avoid bullying behaviors, and avoid excessive loudness. Most children expand on these skills in preschool, but you should evaluate your child’s abilities beforehand to ensure they’re ready to start preschool.
The Right Maturity
This one may seem a little strange, but it’s still important to note. How mature can a preschooler be? Well, nobody expects a three-year-old to be as mature as an adult. However, some preschoolers are naturally more mature than others and adapt better to preschool. To reiterate, it is completely normal for young children to not behave like adults, but your child should know simple rules about manners and appropriate behaviors before starting preschool.
Preschoolers should feel comfortable playing with other children and sharing. They should feel comfortable saying goodbye to parents at drop-off after a reasonable adjustment period. Finally, they should have a general understanding of appropriate behaviors to avoid classroom distractions. It’s perfectly okay to wait a little longer if your child still has a hard time with some of these things.
At a private preschool, your child receives hands-on learning from caring and highly trained teachers. They only staff teachers that are trusted to take care of children – that’s a promise to parents all over.