An Overview of Preschool Programs: Types and Functions

An Overview of Preschool Programs: Types and Functions

Sep 01, 2021

In MBS Kids Early Learning, preschool programs are programs for children between three and five years old that prepare them for school. These programs provide care and improve children’s cognitive development. Children develop a wide range of skills through early preschool programs that make them ready to learn once they start school. In addition, young ones from disadvantaged groups receive guidance towards healthier development by putting them on the same level as other children.

There are several preschool curriculum programs, but they generally fall into two broad categories. In one philosophy, children-directed activities enable the child to learn through discovery. The teacher’s work is to guide and plan activities according to the children’s developmental levels. The other philosophy focuses on more academically based programs that include drill and practice components.

Types of Preschool Programs

  1. Montessori

This program focuses on developing children’s senses, practical life skills, character, and academic ability. The teachers gently guide the learners through a developmental curriculum that emphasizes nature, hands-on learning, and creativity. A child is encouraged to focus on activities suited to their interests that develop their curiosity and independence.

  1. High score

It utilizes a carefully designed curriculum approach that allows children to participate in learning actively. The high-scope preschool program combines an academic approach with planned experiences in basic subjects like reading, science, and math. Children learn through hands-on experiences inconsistent daily routines in classrooms that are well organized.

  1. Waldorf

The Waldorf preschool program focuses on generating a child’s strong inner enthusiasm for learning and developing their talents and innate abilities. It is a teacher-directed program that involves creative hands-on group learning focusing on rhythmic repetition in a supportive, home-like environment. Daily and weekly routines are formulated to nurture a child’s interests, soul, spirit, and body.

  1. Parents Co-ops

This program enables the parents to be actively involved with their children’s school experience by working closely with the teachers. The Parents Co-op preschool program adapts any preschool philosophy or combines multiple philosophies as the parent desires a customized learning approach. Parents hire a teacher of their choice to teach their children. The role of the parent involves helping with lessons, serving on the school’s board of directors, and observing classroom behavior.

  1. Reggio Emilia

It is an open-ended and child-led philosophy that emphasizes exploration. Children learn the importance of self-expression and their community through projects, art, and activities that reflect their interests and ideas. The educators encourage self-guided learning based on the child’s intellectual, emotional, and creative potential in collaborative and cooperative classroom activities.

  1. Bank Street

Preschool students in this program are active learners who gain knowledge about the world through experience. The Bank Street program is a developmental approach that focuses on social, mental, physical, and emotional growth. Children set their own learning pace through the guidance of their teachers. Lessons are taught through hands-on activities in a non-competitive group environment.

Functions of Pre-School Programs

Preschool teaching helps children acquire the skills below to prepare them for school.

  1. Language skills

The children attain adequate language skills to facilitate their educational, cognitive, and educational development.

  1. Self-regulation in learning skills

Your children will learn to postpone their immediate satisfaction to help them attain their long-term goals. This skill enables them to sustain attention, concentrate throughout the activity, and be persistent.

  1. Social skills

Children learn to empathize, which promotes successful interactions with peer groups and adults.

  1. Executive function skills

This skill empowers the child to be creative, solve problems, hold and manipulate information in the brain, and plan and regulate behavior.

  1. Emotional self-regulation skills

They acquire the ability to adopt different behaviors based on the situation, shift their attention and control their impulses.

Tips on Choosing a Preschool

These tips will help you in choosing a preschool in Houston.

  • Find out the curriculum used and how the planned daily activities will support your child’s learning.
  • Inquire about the program’s registration, license, and inspection history.
  • Consider the parent’s personal preference and the child’s individual needs.
  • The age of the child and maturity of the child determine the program chosen.
  • Length of the program, whether it is a full day or half-day program.
  • The child’s energy level.
  • Ask about the teachers’ education, experience, and training, especially on important health and safety issues.
  • Ensure that the preschool’s policies and opinions on discipline, nutrition, child development, supervision, and learning align with your child’s needs.
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