Is Your Child Ready For Preschool?

Preschools start their registrations as early as January, so December is the time to consider if your child is ready and will attend next fall. Age is not the only criterion to determine if your child is prepared for preschool. Here are a few points to make it easier for you to judge:

• Can he say his own name, address and phone number?
• Has he started to learn his ABCs or count from one to 10?
• How is his physical coordination?
• Can he keep up with other kids in the same age group on the playground?
• Can he draw a circle or cut with scissors?
• Can he concentrate and sit still long enough for you to read a story together?
• Is he able to follow simple directions, such as putting away his toys?
• How is his curiosity level?
• Is he keen to ask questions? Does he try to come up with his own explanations to his own questions?
• Can he work or play without the constant supervision of an adult and is he sufficiently independent?
• Can he wash and dress himself with minimal assistance?
• Is he able to use the toilet on his own?
• Can he be at all separated from you for prolonged periods?
• Is he motivated and keen to explore and try new things?
• Is he willing to share his toys, take turns and be socially interactive?
• Is he used to playing with siblings or does he enjoy other children’s company?
• Does he know the appropriate ways to express anger? For example, he does not resort to hitting and biting but can exercise some form of self-control.

If most of the answers are “yes”, chances are that your child is ready for preschool. However, the questions are merely indicators. Each child develops at his own pace, and there is no test than can offer an absolute answer. As parents, you would know your child best, so trust your instincts!

Another important question to ask yourself is why do you want to send him to preschool? Think carefully about what your goals are for sending your child to preschool. Do you just need time for yourself or daycare for your child? There may be other options if it seems he isn't ready yet for the rigors of school.

Are you worried that if you don't enroll him in preschool he won't be ready for kindergarten? Most experts agree that there are plenty of other ways for children to develop the skills necessary to be successful in kindergarten, including attending a good daycare facility or spending quality time at home with you or another loving caregiver. A study by the National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development found that children do best if they're cared for by someone who is genuinely concerned about their well-being and development, and who makes sure they're doing a variety of age-appropriate activities. They needn't be enrolled in an organized preschool for that.

If you find that the main reasons you want to send your child to preschool are that he seems eager to learn new things and explore, he isn't getting enough stimulation at home or daycare, or he seems ready to broaden his social horizons and interact with other children, chances are it's the perfect time to start school.

Source: www.motherhood.com and www.parentcenter.com