Choosing to enroll your child in preschool is undeniably one of the most significant decisions you’ll make as a parent. Preschool not only prepares your child for kindergarten, but also offers a multitude of benefits that go far beyond academics. It lays the groundwork for their overall development and equips them with essential skills, values, and experiences.

When should I enroll my child in preschool?

Preschool age is typically defined as 3-5 years old. However, there are many early childhood programs that begin providing care as young as infants and toddlers! These programs recognize the critical importance of early childhood development and aim to provide a supportive and nurturing environment.

You know what’s best for your child and should enroll when the timing feels right for your family. While age eligibility is an important guideline, it’s equally important to assess your family’s unique circumstances, such as work schedules, financial situation, and other commitments, before enrolling your child in preschool.

The great thing about our Links to Learning curriculum is that anytime is a good time! At each stage of the preschool journey, we introduce new concepts and skills while reviewing and reinforcing existing skills. Each skill builds upon the next as your child advances and develops. We employ a range of strategies to ensure that your child’s educational journey is uniquely tailored to their needs.

What are the benefits of my child attending preschool?

Enrolling your child in preschool offers numerous benefits that can significantly contribute to their overall growth including:

1. 1. Social-emotional development: Preschool is the perfect opportunity for children to interact with peers, learn to manage their emotions, and build independence. These early social experiences lay the groundwork for their future relationships and interpersonal skills. In our Links to Learning classrooms, we provide hands-on activities for children to set goals, problem solve, develop self-confidence, and share. Our teachers help by modeling appropriate behaviors, giving effective praise, and providing verbal and visual cues.
   2. Cognitive skills: Research shows that early exposure to an educational environment can have a positive impact on cognition. For infants, our teachers provide activities that involve simple cause-and-effect relationships, like pressing a button to make a toy light up or produce a sound. For older children, activities in our classrooms become more complex, challenging their problem-solving abilities, creativity, and critical thinking skills. 
   3. Language development: From the very basics of understanding sounds to more advanced concepts like letter-sound relationships and sight words, preschool provides a safe and supportive space for children to explore the world of language. Our teachers build learning experiences centered around captivating books, providing students with constant access to printed text. This encourages students to forge meaningful connections between words and illustrations and to ask questions sparked by their natural curiosity.
   4. Routine and responsibility: Preschool often introduces young children to structured routines and responsibilities, teaching them valuable skills like time management, organization, and taking care of personal belongings. In our classrooms, circle time is a fun part of our everyday routine that helps establish roles, reinforces learning, and builds relationships. During circle time, students select helper jobs such as flag holder or weather observer. These jobs help them actively engage in the activity and see themselves as important members of the classroom community.

What should I do if I want to enroll in preschool?

If you’re considering preschool for your child, touring prospective schools is an essential step in the decision-making process. You can observe the programs in action, meet teachers and staff, and learn more about their curriculum.

If you’re interested in learning about how our Links to Learning curriculum can help your child grow, learn, and thrive, Find a School today.