The thought of your baby starting a pre-K program may make you feel a variety of emotions. On one hand, you may be proud that your child is ready while on the other hand, you may feel sad that he is old enough to go to school. Help your child get ready for the transition from babyhood to pre-K by making certain he is academically and socially ready for school.
History of Pre-K
According to Pre-K Now, a project of the Pew Center on the States, the concept of preschool, or "infant school" came into practice during the Industrial Revolution. By 1853, New York City had over 50 infant schools and New Jersey established a pre-K program by 1903. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson created the Head Start program with Yale researcher, Edward Zigler. Since that time, pre-K classes have been part of the fabric of the American educational system.
Significance
It is important for your child to be prepared to start a pre-K program. Although not offered in all states as an arm of the public school system, pre-K programs are common preparatory experiences for children. According to Spark Action, over five million children attend some type of preschool program. When you allow your child to attend a pre-K program, you are helping her prepare academically and socially for kindergarten and beyond.
Developmental Skills
Consider your child's developmental and social skills before sending him to pre-K. While he will learn skills such as putting on his boots and coat, standing in line, sharing with other children and playing well with his friends, he should already have a grasp of those concepts before starting pre-K. Teach him those skills and encourage him to increase his attention span and express his feelings without hitting or showing frustration.
Academic Skills
Children are naturally curious. Before your child leaves for preschool, work with her to learn basic academic skills. Even if she is not able to recognize or write numbers to 10, you may sing counting songs and show her the numbers. The alphabet song, rhyming songs, and songs that describe her body parts will help prepare her. Use everyday objects to teach her colors and show her how to hold her pencil and cut with scissors, recommends Education.com.
Considerations
Your child may not have all the developmental, social and academic skills you would like him to have before he enters pre-K. As the Child Care Aware website states, every child matures at a different rate. He may not be able to do one skill, but he may excel at another.
Have your child evaluated or speak to his pre-K teacher. Analyze what type of pre-K program offers your child the best chance to succeed and grow. Read to your child frequently to help him learn new concepts before sending him to pre-K.
