When is the Right Time for Preschool?

Preschool is a fast growing concept today. It is often seen as a toddler's first step towards mainstream education. Preschools are often portrayed as a kindergarten readiness centre. They have activities that simply encourage children to adjust to a structured environment and become independent to a heavier curriculum where they are taught and prepared for admission to kindergarten.

General opinion

Almost all children between the ages 2-3 years are enrolled in a preschool. In fact so much that it has become a pre-requisite to joining kindergarten. Some parents don't even wait until their child is two years old. These children are not even toilet trained. Some cannot even speak. Their parents expect us to teach them the basics. For such children the experience of a preschool becomes stressful. Should they be put through this for the sake of gaining admission into a good kindergarten or to give you some free time at home or work?

Some parents see the preschool as a place where their child can mingle and learn to get along with other children their age. For others it is an alternative to day care. There are still others whose single aim is to gain an entry into the city's most sought after school. But does admission to a preschool require any skills on the part of the toddler? Is it duty of the teachers at the preschool to teach your child the basics to education?

What you can do
To avoid putting your child through stress, make sure that as parents you prepare your child for such an environment. Your child is ready for a play school when:

1. He can sit in one place for about ten minutes. This can be while listening to you, doing an activity or playing with a toy.

2. He can communicate in actions or words his basic requirements like when he is hurt, when he needs to visit the toilet, when he is thirsty or hungry and so
on.

3. He is toilet trained. It may not matter so much if he has graduated to the regular toilet seat, as most preschool are equipped for such young children. What
matters is if he can say when he needs to go.

4. He can eat solid food on his own. This will not only make your child feel self confident when he eats along with his friends but also saves the teacher's or the
helper's time. A last indicator is when your child shows interest in doing things on his own which begins by the age of two and a half years.

Preschool teachers are often deal with a mixed group of children. Some are only two and a half years old but speak and communicate clearly. Others are three but need help to eat. Some don't sit still during activities or snack time and they tend to miss out on activity time. There is a tendency to confuse a preschool with a day care facility. The main aim of a preschool is to provide children a quality time in a safe and friendly learning environment where they can build their self confidence and self esteem. These are the experiences that will remain with them throughout their life.

It is a big decision for both parents and toddlers. What you need to do is pay a bit more attention to your child's growing needs and you will be able to tell if he or she is ready for preschool. This way you can ensure your child has a stress free learning experience.