| Parents know that children do not always | | | | |
| follow the experts when it comes to physical | | | | At three, the age most children begin |
| and intellectual development. As the closest | | | | preschool, children have developed the |
| observers of their individual child's | | | | ability to speak in short sentences. At this |
| temperament and abilities, parents are the | | | | age, adults can understand about three |
| best judges on whether a child is ready for | | | | quarters of the words children say. A |
| an academic preschool program. | | | | functional level of verbal ability can help a |
| | | | child more easily navigate preschool as he or |
| An academic preschool program differs from a | | | | she can ask for help, to use the toilet, or |
| daycare program in that it focuses on early | | | | whatever else they may need. |
| learning skills, pre-reading readiness and | | | | |
| linguistic development. While there is time | | | | Most schools require that children attending |
| for free play, preschool is a learning rather | | | | preschool be toilet trained. The consistent |
| than care giving environment. In past times, | | | | ability to use the bathroom during the day is |
| preschool programs were designed for children | | | | an important part of preschool readiness. |
| who stayed home with a parent. Children | | | | While teachers are accepting of accidents, |
| attended preschool two or three mornings a | | | | they are teachers and not daycare providers |
| week, spending the rest of the time at home. | | | | and can't be expected to change diapers. |
| Today, because so many parents work, | | | | Additionally, children should know how to |
| preschools have been restructured to full-day | | | | pull down and pull up their undergarments and |
| programs. | | | | to wash and dry their own hands. |
| | | | |
| However, many children in the two to three | | | | Children should also have mastered basic life |
| year old age group may not be emotionally | | | | skills before beginning preschool. Snacks are |
| mature enough for a full-day academic | | | | definitely served at preschool and often |
| experience. Younger children frequently get | | | | lunch is served as well. Your child should be |
| tired and upset after too much stimulation | | | | able to manage finger foods and use a regular |
| and many still need an afternoon nap. In this | | | | cup without a spout in order to manage |
| case, parents should seek a program that | | | | preschool meals. Also, they should be able to |
| offers academic experiences in the morning | | | | put on their own shoes and coat although |
| and play time, naptime and other, less | | | | teachers at this level fully expect to help |
| structured, activities for the rest of the | | | | with buttons and zippers. |
| day. | | | | |