Education for a Lifetime

Preschool or pre-kindergarten is a great resource for you and your child. They can learn valuable skills, prepare for their future school years, meet friends, and you can also get assistance with child care while you're at work or handling other responsibilities. But, you may be unsure if it's time for your child to go to preschool. Keep reading to better understand how to decide if your child is ready for preschool.

Is Your Child Potty-Trained? 

Younger kids won't need to be potty-trained, but some preschool programs require that children of a certain age, like 4, need to be potty-trained to attend. If your child is not potty-trained and is older, you want to consider this and decide if it's worth potty training them before they start preschool.

Is Your Child Able to Express Feelings?

You'll want to make sure that your child is able to express some feelings on their own. This will make it easier for them to communicate with their classmates and their teachers at school. 

Do They Have Some Independence?

If your child has some independence and is able to play or work on some activities alone, this is a good sign that they may be ready for a preschool program. They will get plenty of instruction and guidance at school, but they will also have moments where they're self-guiding their own play.

Are They Ready for Some Separation?

If your child isn't glued to you 24/7, they may be ready for some healthy separation. Preschool can provide that opportunity, and they will have plenty of friends and instructors around all day.

Do They Crave Playtime?

While it's fun to go to the park or play at home as a family, it's also fun for your child to play with their own peers. If you don't have a lot of kid neighbors around, preschool can be a great way for your child to learn social skills and play with kids their own age. 

Are They Able to Concentrate Well?

If your child is able to concentrate and focus well on certain tasks, this is another sign that they may be ready for preschool. They'll need to follow directions and do what their teachers tell them to do. 

If you do think that your child may be ready for preschool, now is a good time to set up some appointments to tour schools. You and your child can go to explore options together to feel more comfortable about this new, exciting experience.  

To learn more, contact a school that offers preschool classes.