Mine, mine!  Those words were etched into my brain at one point.  They’re the words of a toddler claiming everything that belongs to them.  That includes the neighbor and anyone else who has possessions that are visible. That was my grandson years ago. Sharing with other children was simply out of the question. We believed part of the problem was him being an only child and not having to share.  We knew that he would encounter problems if we didn’t expose him to other children and adults.  So, today I’m sharing parenting tips on the benefits of preschool.  

Did you know this?  The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) shows that children who attend Preschool for at least 1 year have stronger reading.  Furthermore, they have better vocabulary and math skills than those who don’t attend. We researched and checked out several schools in the area that we believed would benefit him the most.  They had stellar reputations.  Unfortunately, they had waiting lists.  Rather than sit around and twiddling our thumbs, we decided on a Preschool and took advantage of their child care facility.  The facility would transition him to Preschool once there was an opening.

Many parents don’t realize that there is a difference between Child Care and Preschool.  To eliminate any confusion here are some differences between Child Care and Preschool:

1. Child Care facilities will take children at a young age.  Some places as young as 3 months when mom returns to work. Preschools normally don’t take children before ages 2 or 3.
2. Child Care facilities will assist with potty training and weening from the pacifier. Children should be potty trained and off the pacifier before they enter preschool.
3. Also, preschools normally have set hours and summers off like regular schools.
4. Child Care facilities focus on playing, napping, happy and healthy. Preschools focus on education.
5. Preschools have Parent and Teacher conferences as well as plays and recitals.

1. Your child will have an established bedtime and get into a routine of getting up in the morning at a specify time.
2. Your child will be exposed to a group experience.
3. There will be an established nap/rest period during the day.
4. Preschool will teach children to share, compromise and respect other children.
5. Additionally, your child will learn to be independent and learn confidence.
6. Your child will understand the concept of homework.  To ensure your child learns their  shapes, colors, numbers, and the alphabet, home work will be given.
7. Furthermore, your child will have experiences from field trips with his classmates.
8. Your child will learn social skills and make new friends.
9. Your child will be prepared for Kindergarten.

Studies have shown that Early Childhood Development is the foundation for a strong education. I recommend that you create a list of what you’re looking for in a Preschool and do your homework. Check out several facilities and make comparisons on the pros and cons. Make sure the building or facility is up to code, clean, has a safe playground, and has a stellar rating for early childhood education.

Last, my grandson completed 2 years of Preschool, ages 3-4, and excelled when he entered Kindergarten. He is now in the second grade and is an excellent student with strong academic skills. We hope that you will consider the benefits of preschool, and enroll your child as well.