Every preschool teacher will tell you that preschool is a beautiful experience for children. Preschool allows them to learn in a safe and nurturing environment with their peers. Â It also provides an opportunity for early literacy skills, building vocabulary, developing social skills, and becoming emotionally secure.
However, preschool can be just as beneficial to parents as it is to the child. A preschool-aged child spends more time at home with their family than any other age group in childhood– about 40% of preschoolers’ waking hours are spent at home with mom or dad! Before we get into some of the eleven key advantages you will get if you send your three-year-old to preschool, let’s discuss what a Preschool is.
What is Preschool?
A preschool is a place you can send your toddler to while you work so they can receive early childhood education. They will learn and socialize with other children in a safe environment where they can ask questions, play games, and experience new things. There are many different types of preschools, including Montessori and Waldorf preschools, that offer different creative curricula, so be sure to research the options available in your area.
How Does A Preschool Benefit Your Three-Year-Old?
With the advent of new preschool programs popping up in big cities all over the country, new parents are asking each other the same thing- is it worth it? Multiple affirm the benefits of a preschool program for children. However, children are not alone in this; the entire family can benefit from preschool. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits you receive when you enroll your three-year-old in preschool.
1. Fine Motor Skills Development:
Enrolling preschool at three years of age helps your preschooler develop fine motor skills such as writing letters and numbers. These skills inspire preschoolers to continue with academics in the future by going to kindergarten when they are five years old.
2. Language Development:
Language development is an essential part of preschool learning for any child. Preschool exposes young children to new words every day, which helps them build vocabulary. When a preschooler learns how to construct sentences, their vocabularies will grow. There is also a correlation between young children who attend preschool programs and preschoolers who do better in elementary school.
3. Self-confidence:
One of the most important benefits preschool programs give to young children is self-confidence. When preschoolers get a chance to interact with other children and learn new things, they become more confident in themselves which leads them to perform better throughout their lives academically and socially.
4. Health Benefits:
Aside from academic benefits, a preschool program that exercises proper health and nutrition services is also important for a child’s schedule. One health benefit is that it reduces health care costs for child health problems. For example, preschoolers receive immunizations they need to help prevent them from getting viruses easily through childcare or elementary school since they are exposed to more people than toddlers who stay at home with their parents.
5. Prepares Kids for Elementary School:
One of the most important benefits is your three-year-old being prepared for kindergarten when they become big four-year-olds. Preschool gives young children an early start by having them learn letters and numbers which will help them in their future communication skills. There have been many studies showing that students who attend preschool tend to do better in elementary school because they have early childhood special education catered to a lifelong learning focus.
6. Ensures Academic Success:
As a parent, you want to prepare your child for the academic success you know they can achieve. Many parents and teachers agree that enrolling children in a preschool program at three helps them perform better once they reach elementary school. By enrolling them in preschool, you’re providing your child with a foundation for learning that they’ll carry with them throughout their school career.
7. Develops Social Skills:
It’s common knowledge that three-year-old children need help developing social skills. Preschool is often the first time that children interact with other children outside of their own family. Why not introduce your child to the world around them in an environment that is gentle and welcoming? Preschool strengthens a child’s emotional intelligence, so they are better able to cope with stressful situations and manage their negative responses. Your child learns more than just their ABCs and 123s. They also make friends and learn important social cues such as sharing and personal space.
8. Satiates Your Child’s Thirst for Knowledge:
At the age of three, your child’s brain is like a sponge, ready to soak up every ounce of knowledge. You want to allow your children room to explore the world around them. It’s at this age, that they begin to question everything. Like why the sky is blue and why the birds fly south for the winter. They want to know where the sun goes at the end of the day, and why it rises in the morning. Beginning kindergarten readiness at the age of three improves your child’s ability to absorb this information as well as emotional development.
9. Provides Your Child with a Safe, Structured Environment:
Enrolling your three-year-old in preschool gives them a safe and secure environment where they can feel free to learn and grow. For example, preschools often teach the basics of personal safety, such as what to do in a fire or when approaching a stranger. Additionally, most preschool programs typically promote healthy habits such as brushing one’s teeth or washing one’s hands after playing outside. The structured activities in early childhood education help kindergarten teachers more than most parents know.
10. Gives You the Opportunity to Return to Your Work and Passions:
Your toddler isn’t the only one who benefits from spending time in preschool. You probably catch yourself daydreaming about what life was like before children or wondering if you’ll ever get another minute alone to pursue your passion or career. Enrolling your child in a preschool program gives you more time to do the other things you love. Imagine returning to your job without worrying about your child’s well-being. Write the book you’ve always wanted to, finish getting that degree, or simply enjoy a nice cup of coffee with friends.
11. Â Preschool Allows Parents to Connect with Their Children:
Even though you are not with your three-year-old all day, preschool still helps you connect with your child. Although they might be intimidated at first, your child will soon realize that preschool is fun. As a result, they begin to bring that fun home with them. The stories they tell, the crafts they make, and the knowledge they share help you communicate with your child in new and exciting ways.
What Should You Look for in a Preschool?
When you are looking to send your child to preschool, there are many things to consider. Advanced early childhood services provided to young children are extremely beneficial. If cost is a factor, in some instances, financial assistance could be available to qualifying families; always explore options. Considering the benefits listed above are great ways to help find a developmentally appropriate program. The creative curriculum they use is important since this will help them get ready for kindergarten. If the creative curriculum doesn’t align with what your child needs, they may falter when they get older and start school.
Check out our post about “Tips to Select the Top Preschool Activities for Your Child”
You can start sending your child to a place like Â鶹ÊÓƵAV as young as six weeks old. This is important because it will get them ready for pre-kindergarten and ensure they know how to behave when they get there. Be sure to check what kind of policies they have regarding meals and naps. You do not want to send your child somewhere where they cannot take their lunch or nap with them.
For more information when choosing childcare, read our blog here.
Looking for the Best Preschool?
Don’t let the number of preschools overwhelm you or keep you from enrolling your three-year-old. At this age, learning is a vital part of their development. There are numerous benefits associated with preschool, and knowledge is the most important one. It’s also key to remember that social development and a head start on education have lasting implications. Enroll your child today.