FACT: The more prepared a child is to attend school, the better learning and development (L&D) outcomes they’ll deliver! That’s why many parents and educators in Rockville, MD and, in fact, across Maryland, strive to support children in achieving their full potential in school and beyond. One-way to do this is to enroll them in a preschool program in Rockville, MD that offers cognitive and physical enrichment, social skills development, and exposure to diverse interests and activities. This post explores why attending a preschool matters, and highlights its impact on your child’s development and school readiness.
How Do Preschool Programs in Rockville, MD Help Children Develop?
A high-quality preschool program in Rockville, MD plays a vital role in the development and school readiness of young kids. Preschool is often the first formal educational experience for children, and therefore, parents and educators can’t overstate its importance in shaping the child’s overall development. Beyond being a place for early learning, preschool plays a crucial role in:
In fact, the right preschool environment can have a lasting impact on how your child views other social environments. Preschools help prepare young kids to embrace those future opportunities by giving them the foundation they need for success.
Exploring the Multifaceted Impact of Preschools
The development of young children is a multifaceted process. The staff of Montgomery Child Care Association (MCCA) preschool programs help children develop through a “learning through play” and “exploration” approach. This versatile approach helps children develop and grow in various ways:
Preschool provides a foundation for early learning that prepares children for their onward learning journey ahead. Through structured activities and a play-based approach, the MCCA preschool program introduces fundamental concepts such as letters, colors, numbers, and shapes. A well-structured preschool program also helps children develop essential pre-reading, pre-writing, and pre-math skills, setting them on the path to success in later stages – as they move into a school age programs in Rockville. By cultivating a love for learning and exploring at an early age, preschool establishes a solid educational base and enhances school readiness.
MCCA’s adoption of the Creative Curriculum® serves as a vital foundation for children to develop social and emotional skills. The play-based approach offers opportunities for interaction, cooperation, and conflict resolution with peers and teachers. Through group activities, sharing, and taking turns, children learn important lessons about empathy, communication, and building relationships. Sharing in tasks, such as cleanup and put-away chores, helps them appreciate a sense of responsibility. These preschool programs also foster emotional development by providing a safe and nurturing environment where children can express their feelings, learn self-regulation, and develop resilience.
Language development is a critical aspect of a child’s early development, and preschool plays a crucial role in promotion language and communication skills. Through storytelling, conversations, and exposure to a rich vocabulary, children develop their language abilities and build a deeper appreciation of verbal and non-verbal cues. Preschool also encourages listening skills, following instructions, and effective communication, all of which are indispensable for success in future academics and later stages of life.
Preschool promotes your child’s physical development by providing them with ample opportunities to move, exercise and play. By encouraging young kids to participate in group activities, and other individual and team-based sporting events, preschool programs help kids improve hand-eye coordination, balance, agility and strength. Preschool also helps your child develop healthy habits such as eating healthy snacks, taking breaks, and staying safe.
MCCA has designed its preschool program activities to stimulate cognitive and motor skills, encouraging overall cognitive development. From puzzles and manipulatives, to art projects and outdoor play, children engage in hands-on experiences that improve problem-solving capacities, spatial awareness, and fine and gross motor skills. These activities stimulate brain development in young children, and lay the foundation for creativity, critical thinking, and physical coordination.
Preschool offers a helpful environment that encourages independence and self-confidence in children. From dressing themselves to completing simple tasks, children learn to take on responsibilities and make choices. Preschool also fosters a sense of autonomy and self-efficacy by providing opportunities for independent decision-making and problem-solving. This nurturing environment helps children cultivate a positive self-image of themselves, builds their self-esteem, and helps them develop the confidence to independently explore and learn new things.
MCCA has vast experience in providing high-quality child care and early education programs in diverse communities[i]. Children of all income levels and ethnic groups play and learn together in these programs. Such preschool programs expose children, at an early age, to a diverse range of cultures, traditions, and perspectives. This exposure promotes an understanding and appreciation of various backgrounds, building cultural awareness, respect, and tolerance. By embracing diversity and inclusivity, MCCA’s preschool programs help children develop a broader worldview, empathy, and a sense of global citizenship. These qualities are crucial for navigating an increasingly interconnected and multicultural society.
Because of these multifaceted aspects of early childhood development, preschool is a vital part of your child’s early education. And the right preschool program can have a positive impact on their development in multiple domains. Preschool can prepare your child for kindergarten and beyond by equipping them with the skills, knowledge and attitudes they need to succeed in life. A play-based preschool program can also enrich your child’s life by making it more fun, meaningful and rewarding.
Developing Young Minds Beyond Academics
One can’t underestimate the impact of preschool on a child’s development. Preschool programs in Rockville, MD lay the foundation for future academic success, enhance social and emotional skills, nurture cognitive abilities, and promote independence and self-confidence among kids attending the programs. Preschool also fosters cultural awareness and prepares children for the diverse world they will encounter. By recognizing the significance of preschool and choosing a high-quality program, parents can provide their children with a strong start, setting them on a path towards lifelong learning, personal growth, and professional, academic, and social success.
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.