Selecting your child’s Preschool?
Grace Geller on July 29th, 2010
In the southeast where summer comes early and leaves late, we have reached the half way mark. The time in the summer where half of the season is behind us and half is in front of us; from this point on, life begins to pick-up the pace and soon we find ourselves at the doorstep of a new school year.
Many of our graduating preschool children and their parents are stopping by to visit one last time before they matriculate into their perspective schools. Though it is always a joy to see “our children,” we are often saddened by how much they have grown. The less obvious transition is the one that occurs between the parent (formerly client) and the caregiver. A gentle peace settles between them, one that comes from the give and take of negotiating the daily care and education of each child. Gone are the inevitable power struggles as we strive to find the balance between what the parent wants and what the teacher needs to be successful. (And you thought it was all nicey, nicey!) It is replaced with a mutual respect that both parties found and maintained, to help the child reach their full potential. A sort of camaraderie sets in as we both watch this new, more competent child march into the future. We know there will be many more battles but at least we know they had the best start possible.
I often hear parents say, “I won’t spend a lot on preschool tuition, because I am going to save for a private high school; that’s when it really matters.” I have long held the opposite opinion. Based on my education and experience, I believe that if you give your child a high quality foundation their upper education will pay for its self. After educating young children for 20 plus years I’ve had ample opportunity to test my theory and I am happy to report the evidence supports my premise.
Over the past several years I also found that preschools can be the key to educating socially competent children as well. The solution has been and always will be QUALITY!
I am happy and alarmed to report about an ongoing study which has been tracking over 1,300 children in group care since 1991. So far, the study’s findings found obedience and academic problems among those who received low-quality care during their first 4½ years of life and persisted through their 15th birthday. The quality care profile included: The caregivers’ warmth, sensitivity, emotional support and the amount of cognitive stimulation they provided. Children receiving higher-quality care displayed fewer behavioral problems than children receiving lower-quality care. The type of care, whether inside or outside the home did not seem to matter.
There was no surprise that the children who received high quality care scored better on tests measuring math, reading and other cognitive skills throughout elementary school. What was a surprise was the persistent effect of low-quality care into adolescence and beyond! So, while out interviewing preschools for your little one, don’t forget that a quality preschool experience is often worth its weight in gold.
Peace & Light,
Grace
July 30th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
I enjoy both reading and listening to your wise words of wisdom. Thank you for taking the time out and sharing it on this site. I couldn’t be more in agreement with you. You tell it like it is, and often times we don’t like to hear the TRUTH!! Bargain cost savings somewhere else in your life, like your cars, vacations, designer wear, etc. Sacrifice for your child/children…they’re young for just a short period of time. thanks again!
and more if GOD wills,
A proud mom of two ACC graduates
Sonia Griffin
July 30th, 2010 at 2:10 pm
Thank you Sonia. You live, you learn, you share. Love you too!
Grace