| s know that children do not always follow the | | | | At three, the age most children begin preschool, |
| experts when it comes to physical and intellectual | | | | children have developed the ability to speak in |
| development. As the closest observers of their | | | | short sentences. At this age, adults can |
| individual child's temperament and abilities, parents | | | | understand about three quarters of the words |
| are the best judges on whether a child is ready | | | | children say. A functional level of verbal ability can |
| for an academic preschool program. | | | | help a child more easily navigate preschool as he |
| An academic preschool program differs from a | | | | or she can ask for help, to use the toilet, or |
| daycare program in that it focuses on early | | | | whatever else they may need. |
| learning skills, pre-reading readiness and linguistic | | | | Most schools require that children attending |
| development. While there is time for free play, | | | | preschool be toilet trained. The consistent ability to |
| preschool is a learning rather than care giving | | | | use the bathroom during the day is an important |
| environment. In past times, preschool programs | | | | part of preschool readiness. While teachers are |
| were designed for children who stayed home with | | | | accepting of accidents, they are teachers and not |
| a parent. Children attended preschool two or | | | | daycare providers and can't be expected to |
| three mornings a week, spending the rest of the | | | | change diapers. Additionally, children should know |
| time at home. Today, because so many parents | | | | how to pull down and pull up their undergarments |
| work, preschools have been restructured to | | | | and to wash and dry their own hands. |
| full-day programs. | | | | Children should also have mastered basic life skills |
| However, many children in the two to three year | | | | before beginning preschool. Snacks are definitely |
| old age group may not be emotionally mature | | | | served at preschool and often lunch is served as |
| enough for a full-day academic experience. | | | | well. Your child should be able to manage finger |
| Younger children frequently get tired and upset | | | | foods and use a regular cup without a spout in |
| after too much stimulation and many still need an | | | | order to manage preschool meals. Also, they |
| afternoon nap. In this case, parents should seek a | | | | should be able to put on their own shoes and coat |
| program that offers academic experiences in the | | | | although teachers at this level fully expect to help |
| morning and play time, naptime and other, less | | | | with buttons and zippers. |
| structured, activities for the rest of the day. | | | | |