The pressure to send your child to preschool starts almost as soon as they turn two. Other parents and well-meaning family members will begin asking you which preschool your child will attend, assuming you’ve already made a decision. For many parents, this can be a difficult choice. Should children go to preschool? Largely, professionals, educators, and child sociologists say yes.
If you are a stay-at-home parent, the question can feel even more overwhelming. After all, you chose to stay home to raise your children, and sending them off at such a young age might seem to contradict your original intentions. No matter what, when considering preschool for your child, it’s important to keep several factors in mind. While most children can benefit from a preschool environment, some may not yet be ready. It’s also essential to consider the type of preschool you’re planning to send your child to. Some preschools are little more than extended playdates, where the qualifications of the teachers are questionable, while others offer a structured curriculum with certified professionals. Lastly, consider your family’s budget—preschool often doubles as daycare, and neither is an inexpensive option.
Assessing Your Child’s Readiness
Is your child ready for preschool? If they love interacting with others and are easily stimulated into learning, they will likely thrive in a preschool setting. On the other hand, if your child is withdrawn, shy, or clingy, preschool might help them slowly adjust. It could assist in dealing with separation anxiety or help them learn how to socialize with peers. Most children entering preschool for the first time experience some apprehension or fear, but this typically subsides after just a few weeks. If your child seems overly anxious, or hasn’t adjusted after months of preschool, you may want to wait a little longer before sending them. Should children go to preschool if they are panic-stricken for months on end? No, this would only cause unnecessary stress for your child, you, and the class. Understand that it’s a phase, and most children grow out of it. It’s rare to see a first or second grader clinging to their parent’s clothes when being dropped off at school.
Children learn many important social skills in preschool, such as sharing, taking turns, and following directions. They also learn manners and gain a sense of pride in their independence. Preschool is often the first environment where children realize they are not the center of the universe, and surprisingly, it’s often easier for strangers to teach this than it is for parents. If your preschool has a curriculum, your child will quickly learn their letters, numbers, and other essential cognitive skills. While these can be taught at home, the preschool setting is often more organized and provides age-appropriate guidelines for learning.
Should children go to a church-affiliated preschool? Most urban areas offer a range of half-day, two- or three-day-a-week preschool programs run by local churches. These are often more affordable and conveniently located in your neighborhood. These programs rarely require that you attend their church, and many do not focus on a specific denomination. While some may include faith-based teachings, many use standard preschool curriculums. Parents shouldn’t dismiss these programs too quickly, as sending your child to a local preschool can help them build a network of friends they will attend school with in the near future. This can make the transition to elementary school much easier. There are also specialized options like Montessori or private academies that offer preschool programs more tailored to your preferences.
Key Considerations Before Making Your Decision
When deciding whether to send your child to preschool, remember that you have the right to ask questions about the teachers, assistants, and discipline policies. The school should have an open-door policy that allows you to visit anytime, and you should be able to check for any complaints against the school online. Don’t hesitate to ask questions as though they are applying for a job—because, in a way, they are. You need to feel confident about the people who will be caring for your child.
Many parents also wonder, “Will my child fall behind if they don’t go to preschool?” This pressure and fear often lead parents to send their children to school at a young age. According to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, just under half of all 3- and 4-year-olds in the United States attend preschool. The Federal Board of Education suggests that these children have the ability to change the kindergarten curriculum, but admits that until the percentage of preschool attendees rises closer to 90% and funding for preschool becomes more widespread, they cannot implement this change.
This essentially means that when children enter kindergarten, they will all be taught the same curriculum, regardless of whether they attended preschool. While the children who went to preschool may be significantly ahead, brain development at age 5 allows children to pick up cognitive and memory skills quickly. The bottom line is that a preschool graduate may find kindergarten slightly redundant, but they will be socially developed and have a greater chance of success in early education, which boosts their self-confidence.
Conclusion: Should Children Go to Preschool?
In conclusion, yes—preschool is beneficial! Exposing your child to an educational environment early on supports their learning needs, which is a parent’s responsibility. Their natural curiosity and desire to learn are often not fully supported at home, so giving them the chance to make friends and gain a sense of independence is invaluable. Of course, if your child doesn’t seem ready for preschool, you can wait and try again later. While preschool is an excellent opportunity, not sending your child is not the end of the world.
