Lately there are a lot of daycare centers that are calling themselves preschools because they dedicated a couple of hours a day to learning situations. The teachers for the preschool tend to be the employees/caregivers of the preschool. And so, parents are left trying to figure out what it is that they really want and need for their children's educational needs.
The word preschool is actually meant for an early education before attending formal school. In that case, every parents home is already a preschool, because your child is learning from birth. And Pre-K stands for before kindergarten, so again, your home is also a Pre-K. Silly thinking? Well, maybe and maybe not.
Today's busy parents may just be that, too busy and hurried to truly research out what a preschool and pre-k program should look and feel like. Too busy to find out what the "school" teaches. And so they opt for a daycare that offers a couple of hours of preschool training that includes cutting, gluing, tracing, filling in with a pencil or crayon, social graces, some life skills and call it good.
But parents may really want to slow down and takes some time to truly think about what they want for their preschool age child. Maybe take a vacation day to tour and interview the facility directors and teachers. Not sure what to ask? You might find this link helpful for questions to ask. http://www.babycenter.com/0_preschool-director-teacher-interview_1450420.bc
The other thing thing a parent may want to sit down and figure out is the true value of a program versus the fees. Some half time places may seem a bit pricey when compared to the daycare/preschool combos, but the value of the actual education may be much higher and therefor your child will be better prepared and experience. Truly ready for private or public Kindergarten. Never make your decision on tuition price. When the others are cheaper, ask why. Are the government funded? Supported by a church? Supported by an organization?
Be sure you have all of the facts to make the best decision for your young children, because it is their early education that sets the stage for the rest of their education.
