by Margaret Grundstein,
Every child is different. Each develops at his or her own particular pace, marching to the beat of their own distinct drum. An effective preschool program stays in step with the rhythms of each child, gently guiding toward security and nurturing each child through every aspect of development- emotional, social, physical and cognitive-at his or her own rate of readiness. Finding the right preschool means finding one that meets the needs of your child.
The cornerstone of a quality preschool is separation and attachment. Parents are the safe havens of their children, their protectors. A preschool is new and unknown, often the first care environment outside the home. It takes time for children to incorporate new adults into their internal circle of trust. The goal is to have the children move forward in independence while being supported by the familiar. Each child walks through this process along a path that is right for them. For some, it occurs swiftly. For others it may take longer. There is no one right way.
The companion process for separation is attachment, setting the groundwork for a strong sense of self. A quality preschool program connects heart to heart with each child, seeing, feeling and knowing them. It is out of this loving relationship that learning begins; the knowledge that they are desirable beings, in synch with their surroundings, held safe in structure and support. Through a strong attachment with their teachers and a sense of ease in the environment, they are ready to partake of what is offered. Challenging each child in a manner that sets them up for success is important. In the process, they develop a sense of competence. Having a high ratio of teachers to children is also critical. The state allows one teacher for every twelve children. It is difficult to provide quality individualized, imaginative care when there are so many children and only one teacher, especially if the children are very young. A high ratio of teachers to children is one sign of a quality program. Keeping good teachers is also an important indicator of quality. Continuity is important for children. If staff change often during the year or don't stay for more than one school year on a regular basis it can be a sign of some discord within the program.
The second cornerstone of a quality program is socialization. Children are primal. One job of a teacher is to help them master the dynamic tapestry of a community of friends. Through support and guidance, they learn to tolerate frustration and develop self-regulation. Learning to read social situations and become empathetic problem solvers is important. Feeling strong in ourselves and enriched by our social world is fertile ground for growth at all ages.
Developing minds and skills grow out of and rests on top of this strong base of fundamental cornerstones. Small children learn best through firsthand, meaningful experiences. Opportunities should be provided for exploration and discovery in which independence and cooperation are stressed. Learning should be integrated through all the senses: visual, aural, kinesthetic and tactile. Art, science, language, movement and social skills are woven together to create a rich curriculum that teaches multiple forms of intelligence. Both critical thinking and a growing base of skill and knowledge are supported. Children should be encouraged to initiate ideas and to trust in their own abilities, responding to situations that stimulate active learning.
There are many different kinds of good preschools on the Westside of Los Angeles. Some are more liberal, some are more traditional. An array of philosophies exist from Reggio and Waldorf to Montessori and STEAM. Don't get lost in the dogmatism of one theory over another except as to how it appeals to your sense of what is right for your child. Theories change over time and interpretations vary wildly. Do feel free to ask questions on your tours. Some of the following may yield a more in-depth sense of how the program works.
The companion process for separation is attachment, setting the groundwork for a strong sense of self. A quality preschool program connects heart to heart with each child, seeing, feeling and knowing them. It is out of this loving relationship that learning begins; the knowledge that they are desirable beings, in synch with their surroundings, held safe in structure and support. Through a strong attachment with their teachers and a sense of ease in the environment, they are ready to partake of what is offered. Challenging each child in a manner that sets them up for success is important. In the process, they develop a sense of competence. Having a high ratio of teachers to children is also critical. The state allows one teacher for every twelve children. It is difficult to provide quality individualized, imaginative care when there are so many children and only one teacher, especially if the children are very young. A high ratio of teachers to children is one sign of a quality program. Keeping good teachers is also an important indicator of quality. Continuity is important for children. If staff change often during the year or don't stay for more than one school year on a regular basis it can be a sign of some discord within the program.
Developing minds and skills grow out of and rests on top of this strong base of fundamental cornerstones. Small children learn best through firsthand, meaningful experiences. Opportunities should be provided for exploration and discovery in which independence and cooperation are stressed. Learning should be integrated through all the senses: visual, aural, kinesthetic and tactile. Art, science, language, movement and social skills are woven together to create a rich curriculum that teaches to multiple forms of intelligence. Both critical thinking and a growing base of skill and knowledge are supported. Children should be encouraged to initiate ideas and to trust in their own abilities, responding to situations that stimulate active learning.
There are many different kinds of good preschools on the Westside of Los Angeles. Some are more liberal, some are more traditional. An array of philosophies exist from Reggio and Waldorf to Montessori and STEAM. Don't get lost in the dogmatism of one theory over another except as to how it appeals to your sense of what is right for your child. Theories change over time and interpretations vary wildly. Do feel free to ask questions on your tours. Some of the following may yield a more in-depth sense of how the program works.
How do your teachers handle a situation when one child hits another child or takes a toy?
How long do your teachers stay in your program and what continuing education is required?
How do you handle separation and attachment?
Are you a play based program and why is that important?
Do you teach colors, letters and numbers and if so is it through drill or through more meaningful applications that occur daily in small increments?
What happens if a child learns differently or has trouble following the expectations of the classroom?
Can you explain why your school works uses one particular philosophy and not another?
Are there opportunities for the parents to volunteer?
What community building events are hosted and/or encouraged by the school?
How involved is the director and what are the channels of communication between the school and the parents?
A good resource book for local preschools is Coping with Preschool Panic by Michelle Nitka
Margaret Grundstein is the owner/director of First Years Preschool in Venice with forty years of experience in early childhood education. www.firstyearsvenice.com/She also has a private psychotherapy practice as a Licensed Master of Family Therapy where she works with children, families, couples and individuals. http://margaretgrundsteinmft.com/
