When do kids start pre school? It’s a question many parents ask as their little ones grow so quickly. Each new developmental milestone helps your child become more independent and curious about their environment. As a parent, it’s your responsibility to support that growth—and for many families, that includes enrolling in preschool.
You probably have many questions if you are considering enrolling your child in preschool. Are you sure your child is ready to make this big transition? What is the average preschool age? How much will your child learn in the preschool classroom? To answer these questions, we spoke to early childhood education specialists.
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What is the typical age of a preschooler?
Carolyn Rubenstein, Ph.D. a licensed Florida psychologist, believes that enrolling your child in preschool is an important decision. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, preschool is defined as 3 to 5 year olds. Most kids begin preschool between the ages of 3 and 4. When making a decision, it’s important to take into account your child’s individual readiness signs. However, preschool staff and even your pediatrician may also have some input.
Parents should review the policies of certain schools before enrolling their children in preschool. Some preschools accept children who turn three during certain points of the school year (like October 1 or Decemeber 1). Some daycares, which may call themselves “preschools” and “early learning centres”, will accept children as young as 18-months. The Department of Health oversees centers that cater to children aged 0-3 years. Ages 3 and older are the responsibility of the Department of Education. Parents should start by calling around and researching the various centers in their area.
When do kids start pre-school?
Most children start school between the ages of 3 and 4, but you should also consider your child’s readiness.
Are you ready to send your child to preschool?
You can’t just rely on age to determine if your child is ready for preschool. It’s normal for some kids to be ready sooner or later based on their developmental stage.
Consider these factors when determining your child’s preschool readiness. You should also keep in mind that your child may be “preschool-ready” even if he or she has not reached certain milestones. This is especially true if he or she does not have a neurotypical personality, nor any developmental delay. It is often in preschool that very young children are taught about transitions and school routines. They also learn to follow directions and take turns.
Potty training. Some preschools will ask your child to be potty-trained before they can attend. However, public preschools cannot refuse a child because of lack of potty-training.
How to support your child’s preschool curriculum at home
Transitions and Routines. Preschool days are built on routines that can be relied upon. The preschool day is built around dependable routines. “Up to 60 percent of a preschooler’s time is spent in transition. For example, from home to school, from circle time to center, or center time to cleanup, from handwashing to snacks, outside to inside, and between lunch and rest are all times where a child must pivot and stop one activity. You might want to practice this with your child prior to their preschool. It’s not expected that all children can handle transitions before they start preschool, particularly those who are neurotypical.
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Communication. Communication is helpful for your child to be able to communicate with their teachers and peers at preschool. (For example, they can express verbally, or by signing or using gestures, when they need a drink water.) But again, it’s not necessary. It is possible that a child who has delayed speech and language abilities will benefit from a preschool environment, even if they are unable to express their feelings or needs verbally.
Follow Directions. Early educators know how to make routines and directions fun for children. Try to make sure that your child is familiar with following instructions at home. Ask them to practice as much as you can. For example, ask them to put their socks on or to give you a toy.
Playing with others. Playing with others. Social skills do not need to be refined, but some experience with peers is beneficial.
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Preschool Benefits
The benefits of preschool are numerous for young children. Preschool is a great way to capitalize on these formative years. A preschool program should provide academic foundations such as the alphabet and numbers, shapes and colors. By exposing children to new words and encouraging their self-expression, preschool can help develop language skills.
Children will develop social skills as they learn to share, take turns, line up for activities and follow directions. Children will learn to be social in a group and to function within a group environment.
Among the social benefits are acceptance and a celebration of diversity. Whittaker says that in a preschool, children can work and play with classmates who look different, may speak a foreign language, or have varying abilities. They also bring their perspective to the classroom.
A second benefit of pre-school is that the children are exposed in a different way to people, toys and learning resources than they might encounter at home. Whittaker says, “Preschool materials will be different from toys you would find at home because they were created and bought with learning in mind.” A well-stocked block center allows a child to build their potential, while also learning math, engineering and geometry. They can also learn measurement language and problem solving skills.
Preschool helps kids to gain confidence, independence and make new friends. This is the key to a successful kindergarten experience.
Preparing Your Child For Preschool
You can prepare your child for preschool by encouraging autonomy and independence. Buy a backpack, lunchbox and clothing that they can easily dress themselves. Practice socializing at the playground, birthday parties, playgroups or play dates. Prepare them for preschool by introducing them to early skills such as counting.
Visit the school
Start your preschool with a book
Ask the teacher to help you with some basic self-help skills. (Putting on shoes, washing your hands, etc.)
Play pretend to explore preschool concepts (sharing, playing together, etc.).
Both parents and children are entitled to be apprehensive when big changes occur. Celebrate this exciting transition, as it marks the beginning of formal education for your child and a new chapter in their life.
