Preschool is more than just a place where children play and learn basic skills. For children attending our preschool in Silver Spring, it is also at a crucial stage in their development. It’s where they acquire social and emotional competencies that will help shape their future and, later, enable them to succeed in school and beyond. In this post, we will explore how preschool shapes your child’s future in various ways, and why it is important to choose a high-quality preschool program for your child.
How can the Silver Spring Preschool Set Kids up for Social Success?
Enrolling kids in programs at our preschool in Silver Spring sets them up for success by building skills such as:
One of the main benefits of preschool is that it helps children develop social skills, such as sharing, cooperating, communicating, and resolving conflicts. These skills are essential for their future success in school and life, as they enable them to interact positively with others, express their needs and feelings, and cope with challenges and frustrations.
Sharing is a skill that preschoolers learn through playing with their peers and using common resources, such as toys, books, and art materials. It teaches them to be generous, respectful, and fair, as well as to take turns and wait patiently. Sharing also fosters a sense of belonging and friendship among children, as they learn to appreciate each other’s perspectives and preferences.
Cooperating is another skill that children at our preschool in Silver Spring, MD learn through engaging in group activities and projects, such as building a tower, making a collage, or singing a song. It teaches them to work together toward a common goal, to follow rules and directions, and to compromise and negotiate. It also builds their self-confidence and self-esteem, as they discover their strengths and abilities and receive feedback and encouragement from others.
Communicating is a skill that preschoolers learn through talking and listening to their teachers and classmates, as well as through observing and imitating. Kids learn to use language effectively and appropriately, to express their thoughts and opinions, and to ask questions and seek help. It also enhances their cognitive and literacy skills, as they expand their vocabulary and comprehension and develop their curiosity and creativity.
Resolving conflicts is a skill that kids, attending our preschool or school age programs in Silver Spring, learn through dealing with disagreements and disputes that arise in their social interactions. Conflict resolution teaches them to identify and manage their emotions, to understand and respect others’ feelings, and to find peaceful and constructive solutions. It also promotes their emotional and social development, as they learn to empathize with others, to apologize and forgive, and to handle stress and anger.
Building Cognitive Skills
A critical benefit of preschool is that it fosters cognitive skills, such as literacy, numeracy, problem-solving, and creativity. But how exactly do preschools help children develop these skills? And what are some of the long-term benefits of attending preschool on children’s education and life outcomes?
When attending preschool at a Silver Spring, MD early childhood educational program, children learn about letters, numbers, colors, and other concepts that prepare them for kindergarten. According to UNICEF, children who attend at least one year of pre-primary education have a higher propensity to develop the critical skills they need for success in future educational endeavors. They are also less likely to repeat grades or drop out. Preschool also exposes children to a variety of activities that stimulate their curiosity and imagination, such as art, music, science, and storytelling. These activities help children develop their creativity and problem-solving abilities, which are essential for innovation and critical thinking.
Preschool also helps children develop social and emotional skills that are crucial for their well-being and relationships. They also learn how to manage their emotions, cope with challenges, and express their feelings. The programs provide a safe and caring environment where children can build trusting relationships with teachers, peers, and parents. These skills help children form a positive self-image, gain confidence and become resilient.
Setting Kids up for Lifelong Success
Preschool is a place where kids learn, in a play-based environment, invaluable skills that will help them succeed beyond the confines of a preschool program. It is an investment in children’s future that can benefit them, individually and as part of broader society. It can also reduce the achievement gap between children from different socioeconomic backgrounds by providing them with equal opportunities to learn and grow. Furthermore, preschool can have positive impacts on children’s health, income, employment, and civic engagement in adulthood.
Motivation, a much-needed lifelong trait, is the desire and willingness to learn and achieve one’s goals. Preschool helps children develop motivation by providing them with engaging and meaningful learning experiences, where they can explore their interests and passions. Early childhood educators, overseeing programs for preschool at Silver Spring, help stimulate children’s motivation by offering them a variety of choices and materials. This allows them to have some autonomy and ownership over their learning, challenging them to stretch their abilities and skills, and providing them with feedback and support. Preschool teachers may also help children set realistic and attainable goals, monitor their own learning process, and reflect on their outcomes and strategies.
Having high self-esteem is a lifelong accomplishment that instills the sense of worth and confidence that one has in oneself. Preschool helps children develop self-esteem by providing them with a supportive and nurturing environment, where they are accepted and valued for who they are. Preschool teachers may foster children’s self-esteem by showing them respect and affection, listening to their ideas and opinions, praising their efforts and achievements, and encouraging them to try new things and take risks. Preschool teachers may also help children recognize their strengths and talents, appreciate their uniqueness and diversity, and celebrate their successes and progress.
Making Critical Preschool Program Choices
As we’ve seen from the discussions above, preschool is an invaluable investment in your child’s future, as it shapes their social, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral development. By choosing a high-quality preschool program for your child, you can ensure that they have a strong foundation for success in school and life. It’s important to choose programs that prioritize hands-on activities, social/emotional development, and practical care for children in their care.
MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.