When you send your toddler off to preschool, you want to know that they are being treated with respect and kindness, that they are learning and growing, and maybe most importantly, that they are having fun.
Research from the Advancement Project California shows that children who attend high-quality preschool programs:
- Perform better on standardized tests in reading and math;
- Are less likely to be placed in special education;
- Are less likely to be held back a grade; and
- Are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college.
How can parents know what high-quality early education looks like? And, how can parents know what the current research says about best practices for our children? Meeting licensing requirements serves only as a baseline rather than an indication of quality.
INSIDE THE CLASSROOM
The first key to a high-quality program is what happens inside the classroom, namely the interactions between the teacher and child. Teachers should engage children with learning strategies tailored to the child’s age and use an appropriate curriculum to structure the learning experience.
A child’s experience in preschool can set the tone for their attitude towards learning for years to come. At Santa Catalina in Monterey, each day consists of a balance between structured teaching times that include intentional movement and “brain breaks” that are age and developmentally appropriate. Teachers are encouraged to “read the room” and make adjustments throughout the day so students stay engaged.
At Santa Cruz Montessori School, children’s daily activities and progress are observed closely and recorded daily so that their “primary guides” know when to introduce a new challenge or point of interest.
SCHOOL STABILITY
That type of observation is essential and usually best achieved in preschools with low staff turnover. According to The Teacher Satisfaction Project: “High turnover presents a number of problems for the children in early childhood programs by interfering with consistency and effectiveness in the classroom.”
While staff departures were a problem in preschools and elementary schools long before the pandemic, it is now an emergency in many schools. While firm numbers are hard to find, studies estimate annual turnover rates between 26 and 40 percent for early childhood educators in licensed facilities (source: EdSurge).
Choosing a school with a low turnover rate usually translates to a better education for your child. Childcare experts say that having your child attend the same school throughout their early years allows them to develop relationships with the adults and children in that environment. A child who is comfortable with the people in their life is more likely to participate in learning opportunities and advanced cooperative play. In other words, consistency both in the teachers and in the school is crucial.
THE TECHNOLOGY QUESTION
The jury is still out on how much technology belongs in a preschool classroom. As of yet, there has been no large-scale scientific study that assesses iPads and other tablets as long-term learning tools. Some preschools have iPads available for students’ use and advocate children starting their use as a classroom tool. Others are strictly “no electronics.” There are probably as many reasons to keep individual electronics out of a classroom as to include them. There are circumstances where an iPad can be a helpful learning tool, especially for children with special needs.
Without long-term research on the value, it becomes a parental decision about how much time you want your child to be using technology.
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
Children need a physical setting—both inside and outdoors—where they can play, explore, and learn safely.
The learning environment needs to include engaging and developmentally appropriate materials and is arranged to promote exploration based on children’s different stages of development.
Their environment should include toys that spark the imagination and engage them in problem-solving. Play kitchens, puzzles, blocks, and other building toys are the types of interactive toys that preschoolers need available.
Santa Catalina recently completed a renovation of their classrooms that extends beyond furnishings to the technology in the rooms. Lydia Mansour, Director of PreKindergarten and Kindergarten, tells us that the preschool classroom is now outfitted with a new Promethean board. This large TV-like screen functions as an interactive whiteboard, with a screen adjustable to either the teachers’ or the children’s height, depending on who’s using it. She also said, “All of the furniture is also at the students’ height—not just tables and chairs, but shelving and storage, so they have easy access to the hands-on materials that enhance their learning. “
Learning centers—defined areas in a learning environment where children can easily access materials–can be an effective way to organize and support developing skills and promote literacy.
Molly DiPiero of Children’s Montessori School in Santa Cruz says that classrooms should “offer a rich variety of opportunities for children to experience freedom and develop independence within a secure, attractively structured, and supportive environment.”
In addition to the indoor learning environment, children need access to outdoor space to move and engage with the natural world. A 2019 study published in the American Journal of Play found that American schools have a “sad” lack of play.
Outdoor play has a positive impact on health by helping to combat childhood obesity and strengthening a child’s immune system. Play areas should be safe and enclosed with equipment in good repair. Playhouses, tricycles, and other outdoor toys should be in abundance so all children have access.
PROGRAM SUPPORT STRUCTURE
Finally, a high-functioning administrative environment is an essential element of a quality program. Administrators should be experienced and educated in early childhood development, and they should encourage relationship building and positive experiences for children, staff, and parents. They also must be excellent communicators. Parents should expect to receive timely notice of pandemic disruptions, schedule changes, and upcoming events.
Choosing the right preschool for your child can be a difficult decision. Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet, no definitive answer on what will be best for your child. By considering how each of the factors covered here applies to your child and family, you’ll be that much closer to finding a school that will be a good fit. And that’s pretty much what every parent wants–a school where your child will grow, learn, and thrive.