Preschool: To Be or Not To Be

 Young children receive many benefits from happy and positive experiences both at home and while in childcare during this time of rapid development. A caring and well- balanced childcare program can supplement the loving and happy home experiences with a variety of activities to enhance the child’s sense of self and promote confidence.
A balanced program makes every day fun and exciting. Interactive story time with the teacher guiding the child to anticipate outcomes, identify colors, numbers and cause and effect actively engages the child in the process of language development. This coupled with hands-on experiences with manipulatives, sensory play, art, music and games make for a productive and happy time.
Sensory play develops fine motor skills as the child learns first to manipulate a crayon and cut pictures as part of the journey to control a pencil for name printing. As with all processes during these ages, they must be individualized to build on the child’s strengths and to provide extra help and practice in those skills not so easily attained.
Active play is a necessity for preschoolers. A variety of play equipment encourages strengthening of a variety of muscles. Rest assured that while your child is laughing, running and playing, cooperation, communications and socialization skills of all types are being developed along with gross motor skills.
While all activities taught contribute to kindergarten readiness the Pre-K program emphasis on numbers, language and writing skills enables the child (and the parent) to have a smooth transition to kindergarten as kindergarten continues to build upon skills practiced and achieved in Pre-K. It is also helpful if Pre-K students are taught the importance of a “homework packet” which at this age entails practice of skills already taught at preschool. The responsibility of taking home the homework, doing it and returning it are important learning steps in themselves.
For further information or to schedule a tour please call 661-259-3888. Village Country Day Preschool is located at 24279 Valley Street in Newhall.