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