Oaklee’s guest post from Brightwheel, a free mobile technology and communication tool for schools and daycares.
Back to school season for any parent is a hectic time. But for parents of toddlers it’s a huge decision to make: Is she ready to start preschool? Most kids start preschool anywhere between the ages of 2.5 and 4 years old, but how do you know what’s right for your kid?
Preschool readiness really depends more on developmental factors chronological age. Is your little one physically, emotionally, and socially ready for the classroom? Consider your 3-year-old’s development in these key areas before taking this big leap.
Experts on all things preschool, Brightwheel, a leading PreK mobile tech platform, is offering a checklist for any parent questioning the big day for their tot:
Social Development
How much experience has she had playing with other kids? Does she like it, does she do it well? If your 3-year-old is still just into parallel play, she may not be ready to join a classroom just yet. Typically, 3-year-olds are starting to play with each other and are engaging in imaginative play, both key components of preschool programs. And your 3-year-old needs to be socially aware of how to treat other children before she should start preschool.
Physical Development
Potty training may just be the top indicator that your 3-year-old is ready for preschool. It’s a big milestone, and one that really sets him on a course of independence. But there are other physical signs that he’s ready, too. Does he have the fine motor skills for handling classroom materials, or the gross motor skills to handle the playground equipment? Sure, preschool is where they fine tune these skills, but your 3-year-old should have the motor control to keep up with his classmates in order to be successful at preschool.
Emotional Development
This is a biggie. She may know all her letters, shapes, and colors, but unless she’s emotionally ready for the day-to-day challenges at preschool, it may not be time yet. How does she handle being away from you? If she still has any separation anxiety, she’s not ready. This will be a stressful time for her and a big emotional adjustment, so you want to be sure she’s well-equipped to handle the experience. (You should also ask yourself if you are emotionally ready for preschool! It’ll be a big adjustment all around.)
The bottom line is that you want this to be a positive experience for everyone. If your 3-year-old isn’t quite ready, there’s no harm in waiting until she’s 4 to start him in preschool. If you think he’s just on the cusp of being ready, consider enrolling him in a part-time program. Just make sure it’s at least 3 days a week so that he really develops a sense of the routine and schedule that school adds to his life.
