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Parents can vouch for the fact that their little ones grow up in the blink of an eye. With each new milestone they achieve, they become more independent and learn more about their surroundings. As a parent, it is your duty to help them in each and every step. Getting them admitted in a preschool might be a part of helping them in the process. If you are currently considering getting your child enrolled in a preschool, it is only natural that you will have a lot of questions about the whats, hows, whens, and whys. Read on to know all the necessary information you will need to know have a clear idea on preschools and how you should proceed.
What Is The Ideal Age Range For Preschools?
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Enrolling in a preschool is a big decision to take. As per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the ideal age range for kids to get enrolled in preschool is between 3-5 years of age (1). Now, since this is only a range, it is important that you study your child’s behaviors and activities before you make the final decision. You can also seek help from your pediatrician and the preschool authorities.
Another thing to keep in mind is the guidelines set forward by certain preschools. If you have already made a list of preschools you would like to try, make sure you go through the guidelines properly so that the admission process can be hassle free. The age bracket differs with different preschools and that is why it is better to get an idea first and then proceed.
Is Your Child Preschool Ready?
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The decision of whether you should enroll your child in a preschool or not cannot be made by their age alone. A number of kids develop faster than their age and some face developmental delays. That is why it is important to check certain other factors before you consider enrolling your little one in a preschool.
- Potty Training
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Certain preschools make it mandatory for children to be potty trained to get an admission there. Moreover, if your child is potty trained, that would only help them to have a better time at the school. Therefore, try to potty train your child before you are deciding to enroll them in a preschool. However, some preschools do take it upon themselves to help kids who are running a little late in getting potty trained.
- Separation Anxiety
Before enrolling your child in a preschool, it is better if you can encourage them to spend some time without you. This would ensure that they do not get severe separation anxiety on the first day of the school. Though the preschool teachers are experts at diverting the attention of your child to help them with their separation anxiety, it will be better if the child already has some experience in this field.
- Nap Routine
If you are deciding to get your child enrolled in a preschool, you can try modifying their nap routine according to the preschool’s schedule. Most preschools offer a rest period after lunch. However, a lot of children are used to long naps in the morning and a sudden change in schedule can leave them exhausted and annoyed. It is better to start the transition process at home before moving them to the school.
- Communication
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It is important to ensure that your child is capable of communicating with adults and kids of their age before they get admitted to a preschool. Having some communication skills will help them to interact with their peers and also convey their needs and problems to the teachers.
The Key Benefits Of Preschools
Some of the primary benefits of getting your child enrolled in a preschool are discussed below:
1.Helping Your Child Toward A Better Future
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Enrolling your child in a preschool means their academic journey officially begins. Though the preschools do not focus extensively on education and there are various other activities that the kids get to do, the educational foundation begins from there only.
2.Development of Social Skills
When your child is getting into a preschool, they would naturally meet a lot of new people and make friends. This would help them to enhance their social skills. They would also learn to communicate their feelings and listen to others.
3.Learning To Be Independent
A child enrolled in a preschool gradually learns to be independent because of the activities they are given to complete. They gain a better understanding of their surroundings and how things work and that naturally makes them more confident as individuals.
Enrolling your child in a preschool is a big milestone for both you and your child. Make sure you prepare the kid well before you are making the decision. It is not a good idea to send your child to a preschool completely clueless about the setting. To ensure the best results, talk to them, help them understand what changes are going to happen in their lives before you finally get them admitted to a preschool. So, what is your take on the perfect age for sending kids to preschool? Let us know in the comments section!
