Picking a High Quality Preschool

Sandeep Chada, founder of The Goddard School in Rochester Hills, offers three factors to consider when picking a preschool for your child.

Not all preschools are the same. The best programs help young students get a solid educational foundation before heading to school full-time, says Sandeep Chada, founder of The Goddard School in Rochester Hills.

“People underestimate how much learning goes on from ages 1 to 5, so they don’t give them enough stimulation,” Chada says. Here are three key factors to consider.

Highly-trained teachers

“In a preschool setting like ours, all of our lead teachers have a bachelor’s or at least an associate degree in early childhood education,” Chada says.

He says many in-home daycare providers can say they run a preschool program, but they don’t necessarily have that expertise. Trained educators know not only how to teach, he says, but also how to evaluate kids on educational concepts and developmental milestones.

Recorded assessments

This is the biggest missing element, Chada says. “A lot of people will teach colors or basic numbers to children, but they don’t make sure that the child understands it. At the end of the day or week, everyone in that class should have a good idea of the concept.”

However, Chada adds, a child’s intelligence can’t be judged in one or two skills. Teachers should look at the whole child and determine if he or she is making progress.

“Teachers look at children individually and make sure, at the end of the year, they are more well-rounded than at the beginning of the year.”

Structure + free play

Chada says there isn’t a set amount of time that a preschooler should be in school each week. Rather, the structure of the day counts. At Goddard, most students attend all day because their parents work, but Chada says content matters more.

His preschoolers have typical classroom activities for about three hours per day, which include crafts, music, yoga and movement and reading time.

“The rest of the time is play. We make sure they learn different routines during the day. Preschoolers should learn what they do when they come into class, how to sit in circle time, manners and how to get along with other children,” Chada says.

No matter what program you choose, Chada adds, “You should set high goals for your children, and you should ask that your preschool has the same expectation.”

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisement -

LATEST STORIES

Ramadan Guide for Metro Detroit Families

Looking for fun ways to celebrate Ramadan from home or around town? Check out this list of events and at-home activities for the Muslim holiday.

Score Family Fun at Grand Rapids’ Top 3 Spring Sports

Regardless of whether you’re a parent of a budding athlete or a family that likes to watch sports, there are several teams you’re going...

Visiting Canterbury Village with Kids and 2024 Events Not to Miss

Head to Lake Orion for some family-friendly fun this year at Canterbury Village.

Satisfy Your Cravings with the Best Tacos Near Ann Arbor

Indulge in Ann Arbor's diverse taco offerings, from authentic Mexican cuisine to innovative flavors.



- Advertisement -