 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|||
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Why Preschool?Educators and parents now understand the phenomena of the first five years of human life, when brain development, physical development and language skills are miraculously occurring. Never again, in a person's lifetime, will such growth occur physically, socially, emotionally and academically. For instance, in those first five years of life, a child has the potential to learn over 5,000 words, in a stimulating environment. Young children also learn how to become problem solvers and to seek and use information which develops both convergent and divergent thinking skills; they thrive when a preschool environment is interesting, play oriented, and complete with hands-on learning centers within both indoor and outdoor environments. Early childhood educators endeavor to meet the children's need for the necessary academic stimulation, but more importantly create opportunities for children to learn and experience positive human interaction skills through prepared curriculums.The First Five Commission of California has repeatedly stated over the airwaves and through its publications how important a preschool experience is for young children: "There is no debate over the benefits of quality preschool. Extensive research has consistently shown that quality preschool programs, taught by well-trained teachers, improve not only readiness to learn, but also social skills that help children for a lifetime. ……We know from decades of solid research and teacher observations that children who have been lucky enough to go to quality preschool enter kindergarten excited about learning, ready to share, communicate and cooperate with others. Perhaps most important, these lucky kids have a good foundation for learning to read -- the skill they will most need to thrive through high school and beyond." It is important that preschool teachers strive to provide developmentally and age appropriate learning environments in which all children can flourish and place children on the path to become life long learners who grow physically, socially, academically, emotionally and in good character. As children develop meaningful trust relationships at preschool with children and adults, other than family members, they set forth on a life path which hopefully will include inner confidence, self-discipline, resiliency and the ability to accept and complete tasks and challenges. As teachers and parents communicate and work and learn together during these vital growth years, our children will develop self-esteem, values clarification skills, autonomy and a love of reading and learning. Through a quality preschool experience children build the self-control and responsibility needed in life as they become aware of self, the world around them and their place in it. |
|
