The many benefits of a good preschool

  • Shelly Webb
  • January 8, 2011
  • 271
                        
According to the National Institute for Early Education Research (N.I.E.E.R) a strong preschool program can give a child a great head start where education is concerned. Dr. W. Steven Barnett Ph.D. of the N.I.E.E.R says that school failure is not just a problem for children in poverty and that investing early in a child’s education can yield high returns for life. A strong preschool can set the tone for future learning and education and can also prepare a child socially for Kindergarten. Rosalyn Mullet, owner and director of Berlin Center Montessori Preschool and Childcare agrees that preschool can make a positive impact on a child’s future education. “Statistics show that children who experience preschool are more prepared for kindergarten and formal learning,” Mullet explained. “Whether a parent works outside the home or is a stay at home parent; their children benefit from exposure to the skills learned in preschool. Mullet says that some of the benefits children gain from a solid preschool experience is many and that these benefits will stay with the child throughout life. “Children join a community of other children and learn to accept others for who they are,” she said. “They become less self -centered, develop friendships, and learn cooperation at an early age. They also learn to follow directions and respect other adults in a classroom setting. Children learn independence and how to how to take care of themselves, others, and their environment and the independence they learn early on fills them with confidence.” The Montessori based program believes these “practical life skills” to be the foundation of all learning. “The Montessori program also provides children with a classroom environment full of choices to explore, discover, create, and practice,” Mullet added. “They receive satisfaction from choosing work and gaining self confidence. This self confidence becomes a part of who they are at an early age.” In addition to practical life skills, preschool can prepare a child for kindergarten by offering early exposure and learning in phonics, writing, math, geography, culture, art, music and science. Mullet believes this is an important aspect of a solid preschool program. Preschool, at one time served mainly as childcare for working parents, however in today’s competitive world, parents are realizing, regardless of their work situation the necessity of preschool. Preschool has the potential to make a huge difference in the way a child adjusts and learns in Kindergarten. Many children experience separation anxiety when they begin school. Exposing a child early on to a preschool setting can help alleviate some of the fears when the time comes for Kindergarten. “We know that it is a healthy and necessary development for children to work through separation anxiety,” Mullet said. “We focus on making our program an easy transition for our students and their families.” Mullet shared a few guidelines followed by the Montessori program that can make the separation anxiety of beginning school a little easier. She suggests having the family visit the school prior to the child’s first day and encourages parents to remain positive and to see preschool as an “opportunity” rather than “separation”. “Parents can reassure their child that “while you are having fun in school, this is what I will be doing” and “I can’t wait to hear about your fun day, etc.”,” Mullet said. “We also encourage parents to have a good bedtime routine the night before so that the child is rested in the morning and to plan enough time to get ready in the morning in order not to rush. Many times the transition difficulties from home to school come as a result of children being hurried.” It is also very important for parents to explain to their child who will pick them up at the end of the day and/or if there are any changes in the usual pattern of the day. Many times a “little change in plans” to an adult can be a “huge inconvenience” to a child. Also, once your child is at preschool, Mullet encourages parents say good-bye or blow a kiss so their child is left feeling secure and confident. “We also encourage parents to understand their own emotional separation anxiety versus their child’s,” Mullet added. “Children pick up on the fears and needs of parents. Often, tears do not last long after parents leave.” One final aspect parents should consider when choosing a preschool program is the diet or food chooses offered. Mullet believes a nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snacks are important aspects of a child having a great or marginal day. “Good nutrition results in optimal learning,” she said. “We are dedicated to teaching children about healthy foods and how to prepare them. This year in particular, the Berlin Center has adopted a new food mission and philosophy. As a result we serve fresh and seasonal foods throughout the day, eliminate sugar and replace it with fruit, honey, and real maple syrup, we use whole grains and cook from scratch, use non processed foods, bake our own bread and have removed cookies, cakes and puddings and now serve fruit for dessert.” Starting your child in a preschool program early may be the single most important decision you make regarding their education, social development and independence. Mullet is available to answer any questions on this topic and can be reached at 330-893-3063. The Berlin Center Montessori Preschool and Childcare serves children 18 months to five-years-old.


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