Moms Talk: Preschool Preferences

Each week the Mentor Patch Moms Council answers a question on parenthood posed to them by readers or another member of council.

This week's question: Are you in favor of preschool? If so, what do you look for in a preschool?

Mary Jo Stack:

Preschools are a must now, but which preschool is the important question.

My children went to an outstanding preschool. When checking for the right one, I looked for a program that would make sure to ready my kids for kindergarten. I believed that I chose the correct program and was sure when my children started school. My kids were extremely well prepared.

Although social skills and playtime were important, I believe my children's preschool gave them a leg up over some of their classmates. I noticed some not quite as prepared after attending preschools where social skills and "babysitting" were more prevalent. 
 
Many studies have shown that the earlier we prepare children for reading, writing, math, the better they do in school later on. The years before kindergarten are so important to a child's development.

Donna Milnes:

My girls went to preschool many years ago and it was a very valuable experience.

It was their first time away from home on their own and they blossomed into independent children that were more than ready for kindergarten.

Today, since kindergarten is all day in most schools, I think preschool is even more important. Preschool is that first step to a positive school experience for the rest of their lives.

I think preschool should be a fun learning time (learning through songs, games and group activities.) Also, the social skills of being considerate of others, sharing, taking turns and following directions in a group setting are very important.

Kindergarten is not playtime anymore, children are doing what we did in first and second grade and preschool gives children the extra boost of being ready to succeed.

Gloria Kilfoyle:

Preschool for 4-year-olds is very necessary to prepare children for kindergarten. However, for a 3-year-old, there are alternatives that mothers can do with their children.

For instance, the library offers story hours and the School of Fine Arts offers some very nice classes in music and the arts. The swim classes at the Y are great and Mentor Ice Rink has skating once a week for the little ones.

I found that when my daughter was 3, I was not ready to send her to preschool because, I guess, I was selfish and wanted to be with her as much as possible since she was my youngest child.

So I came up with different activites that we could do together such as the ones I just mentioned. However, I did work with her on academic skills, which also was a fun way to connect with her.

We had a good time being together, and she was not behind when she went to kindergarten because she still received the skills to prepare her for school, just in a different way.