What Will My Child DO at Preschool?

Preschool has become a central part of childhood & it's easy to see why.  A good preschool program will set your child up for future success in Kindergarten- and no, we're not just talking academically. So what does "successful" in Kindergarten look like?  Mostly, it means well adjusted.  Kids who are not just cognitively prepared, but socially & emotionally prepared as well will have the easiest transition.  A child can know their ABCs backward & even be a beginning reader, but if they struggle to take direction, cooperate in a group, & make friends- the transition will be a challenge.  Which is why preschools strive to develop the whole child, not just letter writing & counting. 

A fabulous example of this is the Kiddie Academy of Phoenixville.  Their Life Essentials® curriculum has been painstakingly designed by early childhood experts to help your child along his/her developmental journey- all while having a ton of fun. The program focuses on 6 major areas:

1. Physical Development and Health 
   The first step to a well-adjusted child is a healthy child.  Teachers at Kiddie Academy of Phoenixville work on fine and gross motor skills.  These may look like simple exercises such as cutting with scissors or playing tag outside, but they are vital to development. Their program also focuses on health and wellness; from dental hygiene to choosing healthy foods, the Life Essentials® program helps both kids and parents learn healthy habits. 
2. Social and Emotional Development 
   Learning to share, participating in group activities, using manners, and practicing patience are not just important skills for preschoolers- they're essential life skills we use even as adults. Additionally, children need to learn healthy separation from parents; knowing they are safe and secure at school is key to learning and emotional growth.  There is perhaps no better indicator of Kindergarten "readiness" than a child's social and emotional development- without it, Kindergarten will be frustrating for everyone. 
3. Language and Literacy 
   Letter recognition, tracing, and phonics are all familiar parts of preschool- as they should be!  Preschool is the perfect place to learn our ABCs, hone in writing skills, and practice basic phonics- all paving the way for your early reader. 
4. Mathematics 
   Basic math concepts, such as number recognition, counting, and even a little addition and subtraction are practiced.  Making math fun and approachable young will hopefully lead to a comfortable relationship when concepts become more challenging in elementary school. 
5. Science and Technology 
   Preschool science is perhaps the most fun.  Hands-on experiments like making paper airplanes and playing sink or float sound like a great way to spend an afternoon.  In addition to this, Life Essentials® introduces students to the technology that surrounds us.
6. Creative Arts 
   Kids love art time. and there is no better time to develop and foster your child's creative side than preschool.  Arts and crafts give children time to develop motor skills, but more importantly, time to let their imaginations soar.  Let them think outside the box, create new worlds, and leave themselves limitless. 

If this sounds like a program you'd like your child to experience, check out the Kiddie Academy of Phoenixville. They are currently enrolling for fall and would love to care for your child.