Disclosure :: This post is sponsored by Episcopal School of Acadiana. ESA’s early childhood teachers explain what to look for when considering an academic preschool program for your child.
Signs Your Child is Ready for Preschool
The decision of when to enroll your child in an early childhood program isn’t a simple matter of age. Development in young children sometimes happens in leaps and sometimes in crawls. Instead of relying on a date on a birth certificate or on whether your child knows letters and numbers, look for several of these signs of preschool readiness. You don’t have to check every box, but if you recognize some of these indicators, your child is more likely to thrive in an academic preschool program.
Consider a PK3 or PK4 program if your child…
- Demonstrates a willingness and an interest in trying new experiences.
- Demonstrates independence and attention in completing simple tasks.
- Engages in activities or with people for longer lengths of time.
- Uses trial and error to solve basic problems.
- Seeks help when needed.
- Communicates needs and wants clearly.
- Counts to 5.
- Understands the concept of one, two, and three.
- Shows an understanding of cause and effect.
- Asks why and how questions.
- Responds to changes in schedule or routine.
- Recognizes and names family members, caregivers, and friends.
- Helps to clean up.
- Responds to simple questions with appropriate answers.
- Takes turns in conversation.
- Combines at least 2-3 words to make simple sentences.
- Holds a book correctly.
- Pretends to read.
- When read to, attends to a story and illustrations.
- Answers simple questions about text and pictures.
- Scribbles to represent letters.
- Can hold eating utensils, crayons, and puzzle pieces.
- Plays safely with other children.
- Takes care of himself or herself (or tries to). Is she potty trained? Does he try to wipe his nose? Does she attempt to feed or dress herself?
- Separates from a caregiver in a familiar setting.
One last question – are you ready?
As a parent, you should also consider whether you are prepared to have your child participate in a program that fosters independence and helps small children transition into students. Some parents are not quite ready to let go. Tour the programs that interest you, observe the children engaged in activities, and ask the teachers any questions you have. When you’re both ready, enjoy the adventure!
ESA preschool teachers are experts at giving young children the confidence to explore the world around them. To learn more about ESA’s preschool program, contact Lower School Admissions Coordinator Kathleen O’Shaughnessy at [email protected] or 337-993-2263.
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