Home Hot Topics Articles Directors' Choice Awards About Us / Contact Us Activities & Curriculum Activities for Outcome-Based Learning Arts & Crafts Music for Learning Recommended Reading Sharing Boards: What Do YOU Think? NEWSlink Current National News Conference Calendar Topics In Early Childhood Education Art and Creativity in Early Childhood Education Job Sharing Board State Licensing Requirements Stay Connected! Each month we'll send you an email filled with articles and ideas for your classroom. Subscribe Now Date: 5/11/2007 11:36:00 AM Author: Subject: Pre-K In our preschool the focus is in developing social skills. I always tell our parents first and foremost if they're looking for academics, they're in the wrong place. Our children learn through "play". The classrooms and schedule are set up for the children to have "educational experiences", similar to the way children learned LONG before preschool (and Kindergarten in some areas) was even an option. I am fortunate to be involved in a program that is private and available for children aged 12 months through grade 8. Our teachers work closely with the K teachers to insure that our preschoolers are ready for Kindergarten. Not academically, but socially and emotionally. On another note...I thank GOD that we are free to focus on the TRUE meaning on CHRISTmas, Easter, Halloween, and other religious occasions...otherwise, what's the purpose of even recognizing these days?? We still incorporate Santa, the Easter Bunny, and trick or treating into our celebrations...but witches and witchcraft??? Give me a break!! Finally, in answer to your question...if a child has to be in childcare because both parents work...do your research and make sure the focus in the program and the curriculum is appropriate, otherwise...keep the child home until Kindergarten, because (at least in most cases), there's no better place for a toddler or preschool child to be than with a parent and exploring the wonders of childhood on a one-to-one basis with a loved one. I say NO to mandatory preschool. Name: Email: Subject

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