10 Reasons Your Child Will Thrive in Preschool (Part 1)

Many families struggle to make the decision to enroll their child (or children) in a preschool program. After all, they’re still so little! Wouldn’t my little one be better off at home with me, a trusted family member, or—at the very least—a reliable nanny? While the choice to enroll your child in a preschool program can be a hard one, the benefits can’t be underestimated. In fact, there are 10 compelling reasons to bring your child to preschool. As discussed by the GreatSchools Staff at greatschools.org, your child not only wants to spend time in a classroom, but they’ll need the experience to succeed in elementary school. We wholeheartedly agree! We’ll discuss a few of these reasons in this post. 

Preschool is an opportunity for growth

Preschool is a place where children learn how to thrive in a structured environment. They are given opportunities to share, speak, interact with others, and develop friendships. These are the essential skills they’ll need in a formal school setting; they’ll be skilled in following directions, interacting with their teachers, and following classroom routines. 

Preschool prepares children for kindergarten 

Parents often worry about the balance of play and formal learning in a preschool program. We simultaneously want our kiddos to succeed academically, but are concerned about academics cutting into valuable play time. Luckily, a great preschool program is skilled at providing both! Unlike kindergarten, preschool offers an environment that allows a child to learn through play. A skilled early child educator can weave academic lessons into running, jumping, artistic expression, and cooking activities. Through thoughtful programming, your child will not only enjoy the preschool experience, but will exit the program ready to tackle the challenges of kindergarten. 

Preschool promotes social and emotional development 

When a child is enrolled in a preschool program, they have the opportunity to build trusting relationships with new adults. They have regular interactions with their peers and form meaningful friendships. Preschools are designed to facilitate strong parent-teacher relationships and build on the home-school connection. Your child will have a trusted adult supervising their interactions and helping them manage their peer relationships. You wouldn’t want to miss out on that unique opportunity! 

The preschool environment is structured, although it may not appear that way

Children thrive in an environment with a predictable classroom structure. A great preschool program disguises this structure in endless opportunities for play! We maintain consistent routines that support children while also prioritizing the children’s growth and development.

Children get to make choices

Naturally, as a child transitions into a traditional elementary school, they lose opportunities to choose the kinds of activities and the level of involvement they have in the classroom. Preschool classes focus on the power of choice. This is an important time for a child to develop a sense of personal preference, which in turn builds confidence and a stronger sense of self. 

Continue on to Part Two to learn more!