5 Different Preschool Programs

5 Different Preschool Programs

A carefully planned diverse preschool program is essential for proper child growth both mentally and physically. The very reason why preschools are so eagerly sought after is because they put children on the path to learning, knowledge and prosperity. It is a small step for a child but it has a huge positive impact in the long run.

In today’s article we will highlight five popular teaching programs for parents. Each preschool program offers its own set of advantages. Parents considering sending their children to a preschool will find this information very beneficial.

1. Montessori Preschool Programs

These programs focus on building a child from the ground up. Children are encouraged to learn at their own pace and are provided with a sense of independence. They learn about other cultures and languages and also get introduced to basic mathematical concepts. Montessori programs seek to efficiently utilize the role of a teacher as well. They serve are guides and challenge young students to attempt a task and provide them with sufficient help to complete it. Their curriculum focus are fives areas namely:

• Self awareness
• Practical Life
• Mathematics
• Culture
• Arts and Languages

2. The Waldorf Program – Mind, Body and Soul

Named after its founder, the Waldorf preschool program comprises of three parts namely body, soul and spirit and strives to develop and improve these attributes in young children by taking advantage of their surroundings and through active participation.

The program aims to utilize all five senses that a child possesses early on. Instead of watching TV, children are encouraged to create their own play. Group oriented sessions and activities such as painting, coloring, singing, and reading offer children with the freedom to express themselves and say things how they see it.

3. High Scope Program – Experienced Based Teaching

This approach stems from the theory that all children need to be involved with people and materials and be exposed to different ideas and events. Teachers work actively with children and support their decision making as they make their own choices about materials, events and activities. This concept revolves around experiencing different things which are grouped together in ten broad categories that are mentioned below:

• Time
• Space
• Numbers
• Music
• Movement
• Language
• Classification
• Co-ordination
• Social Relations
• Representation

4. Bank Street Preschool Program – Real Life Subjects

Bank street programs is based on the idea that children can make sense of what they experience provided they have a sound knowledge about the human world and the best way to achieve that is to focus on five realistic subjects namely

• History
• Geography
• Political science
• Economics
• Anthropology

This program is less structured that its counterparts and leaves a lot at the discretion of both parents and teachers.

5. Parent-Run Preschool Programs

Some parents simply do not find a program that they feel would be perfect for their child. Hence they opt for parent-run preschools in which parents volunteer and act as teachers. All members meet in advance and discuss teaching strategies together and then come up with their curriculum.

These are five common programs currently being used at preschools today. Parents considering preschool as an option should visit the local institutions and determine what type of preschool program they offer before making a decision.