08/06/2024
The Importance of Preschool
Childhood experts agree: Attending a quality program prepares children for kindergarten and beyond.
Below are some answers to frequently asked questions.
1. What is the difference between childcare and preschool?
Childcare centres are generally an option for working parents who need their children to be taken care of during the day. They are full-time, full-year programs.
Preschool refers to an early childhood educational class for children 2-4-years of age. Many offer a part-time schedule (a few hours a day, two to five times a week) and only operate from September to June.
2. How important is preschool?
There is increasing evidence that children gain a lot from going to preschool. At preschool, they become exposed to numbers, letters, and shapes. They learn how to socialize, get along with others, share, and contribute. In addition to strengthening socialization skills, They learn how to compromise, be respectful of others, and problem-solve. Preschool provides a place where your child can gain a sense of self, explore, play with their peers, and build confidence. Children in preschool discover that they are capable and can do things for themselves, like tidying up their own toys, to tackling bigger issues, like making decisions about how to spend their free time.
Every child should have some sort of group experience before they start kindergarten. Music and gymnastics classes are great, but what preschools do that less formal classes do not, is teach children how to be students. Your child will learn how to take turns, share the teacher's attention and learn how to separate from Mommy/Daddy, who often stay in a music or gym class. All of this makes for an easier transition to kindergarten.
3. How do I choose the right preschool?
Many preschools now have Websites that you can visit. Read reviews about the school. Ask other moms you may know, that have attended the school you are interested in, about their experience. Next, check whether the schools are licensed. This ensures the facility meets safety requirements and has adequate staffing. Call or email each school you are considering and ask about its admission policy, curriculum and fees. The cost of preschools can vary depending on several factors such as the location, the reputation of the school, the facilities and services offered, the age of the child, the duration of the program, and whether it is a public or private institution. Private preschools tend to be more expensive than public or subsidized options. Once you have narrowed down your choices, schedule visits.
During a visit, check out the basics: Is the facility clean and safe? Is the atmosphere friendly and fun? Are there plenty of art materials, age-appropriate toys, and books?
Find out about the teachers' credentials. Ideally, teachers with college degrees and specialized early childhood training have more positive interactions with children, provide richer language experiences, and are engaging. Also, consider ratios. Low teacher-child ratios are very important, since they allow teachers to give ample attention to everyone. Talk with the teacher about a typical day, and ways in which she will keep you informed about your child's progress.
Finally, do you feel comfortable? If she is responsive to your questions and you are happy with her answers and her classroom style, you have found a good fit.
For more information about our preschool programs, visit us online at
Let your child’s learning begin with Atscott Pre-School Academy Inc.! We offer age-appropriate programs to children in Newmarket, ON. Register your child today!
