What Should Children Learn in Pre-K Programs?

Posted On: January 28, 2019 By Jim Newton

Choosing to enroll your child in a pre-k program could be a tough decision for you. There are many reasons why parents choose to enroll their children in pre-k educational programs, and they differ greatly. Children thrive in structured environments where they can predict and plan for what’s coming next, and this is especially true in a healthy, helpful learning environment.

Most parents enroll their children in pre-k educational programs because they believe it helps prepare their kids for the transition to kindergarten. Research shows that children who were previously enrolled in pre-k programs had an easier time shifting into kindergarten than those who did not. Besides the basic learning that children acquire to help them prepare, they also learn how to be in the social environment of kindergarten. In this article, we’ll go over what children should learn from a pre-k program and how you can choose the best pre-k program for your child and family.

What Children Should Get from a Pre-K Program

Basic concepts of child development guide pre-k program structure, such that there are several developmental stages that occur within pre-k programs and the environment and structure must be tailored to the specific age group of the children. Overall, these are the main concepts that pre-k programs utilize to structure their classrooms:

Social Interactions

In these age groups, children are learning how to interact socially and “play well with others.” They’re learning things like manners, sharing, and basic social interaction skills like conflict resolution. Communication is key when it comes to learning how to interact with others, and effective pre-k programs target this skill.

Independence and Autonomy

Before sending your child off to kindergarten, it is important that they have established some independence and autonomy; for many, kindergarten is the first time away from home for an extended period. Pre-k programs are a great way to instill some of this independence so they can feel okay being away from home for a little longer.

Skill Building

All children are different and unique in their own individual ways, which often hasn’t emerged yet in the pre-k stages of development. You might have noticed your kid is especially creative, sassy, or vocal, which could turn out to be exceptional qualities. Pre-k learning focuses on children’s unique abilities and nurturing them early-on.

Confidence

In order for your child to feel good about themselves, it’s important to instill a sense of confidence and pride in what they’re able to offer themselves, others, and the world at large. Pre-k programs help build children’s confidence to interact socially with others and tackle new activities to help them develop new skills.

Fundamental Kindergarten Skills

Along with the other important learning areas pre-k programs offer, it’s important to prepare your child for the educational portion of kindergarten. Colors, animals, the ABC’s, and other basic learning concepts are a large part of how pre-k programs help prepare children for the transition to kindergarten.
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How to Choose the Right Pre-K Program for Your Child

Picking the right pre-k program for a child isn’t a one-size-fits-all process; each family and child is individually unique based on culture, family size, daily life, and other factors that make us all different. Here are some things you can focus on to help find the right pre-k program for you and your child:

Communication

It’s important that you’re satisfied with the level of communication the pre-k program staff holds, so pay attention to how they respond in your initial bids to learn more about the program.

Parent Involvement

Pre-k programs always work more efficiently when parents can be involved somehow. The program should maintain a level of focus on bringing parents in for activities.

Background

It may be helpful and safer to learn more about the staff and the establishment’s background, including running your own background checks should you choose to do so.

Philosophy

All pre-k programs are based on child development concepts; however, they all differ in certain areas. It’s important to find a program that aligns with your family’s culture and values.

Community-Based

Teaching children how to be their own individuals is important, but pre-k program focuses should always include a community-based element to connect families back to their larger community system.

Our pre-k programs here at Great Beginnings in Sugar Hill, GA, have been an asset to our community for generations. If you’d like to learn more about our philosophies on our children’s programs, please contact one of our helpful child development specialists today.