When your children are ready for preschool, it is important to choose a program that addresses their unique needs while delivering the best education. As a parent, choosing a preschool program that best fits your values and your child’s learning style is crucial. But it may be more challenging than it seems, especially when you are familiar with the various approaches different schools take to teaching.
To overcome this challenge, we will explore the most popular types of preschool programs.
What is a preschool curriculum?
A preschool program is a set of planned goals that educators use to guide what and how young children will learn. This program typically adopts a child-led, discovery-based, play-based approach or an academics-based, structured lesson plan similar to traditional schools.
For example, the Cottage School program is a user-friendly approach that incorporates digital lessons in a good format and monthly hands-on learning materials. It integrates research-based skills into engaging games and discovery projects.
Ultimately, Families and teachers are responsible for selecting the right approach for a child based on factors such as:
- Individual needs
- Age
- Developmental
- Maturity levels
4 Different types of preschool programs
Waldorf
This preschool program is rooted in the teachings of Austrian writer Rudolf Steiner. It aims to nurture a child’s spirit, soul, body, and interests. It promotes creative, hands-on group learning through rhythmic repetition in a supportive environment.
Indeed, the daily and weekly routines, combined with the cozy classroom atmosphere, create a “home-like” environment for students.
Moreover, this curriculum fosters a robust love for learning and nurtures children’s talents and abilities. This learning method is especially beneficial for preschoolers who thrive on structured schedules.
Montessori
Physician and educator Maria Montessori develops Montessori. It is a comprehensive preschool program that adopts a developmental approach to learning. It is compulsory for all teachers to hold a Montessori certification. This curriculum focuses on nature, creativity, Montessori materials, and hands-on learning, with teachers providing gentle guidance.
In this curriculum, children’s interest-based activities foster independence and natural curiosity by focusing on activities that align with their interests.
HighScope
The HighScope Preschool Curriculum employs a carefully designed method known as active participatory learning.
In this program, children’s hands-on experiences with their environment promote the development of problem-solving tactics, conflict-resolution methods, and other crucial skills. Learning is facilitated through consistent daily routines and well-organized classrooms.
With structured experiences in the basic subjects of math, reading, and science, HighScope adopts an academic edge. It is founded on recent and historical research on child development. Preschoolers use the “plan-do-review” method as a framework for their learning; they make plans for how to accomplish tasks, strive toward their objectives, and then evaluate their progress.
Co-Ops
If you want to be actively involved in their schooling, consider enrolling your child in a cooperative preschool, where parents and caregivers can collaborate closely with classroom teachers. By rotating a lead volunteer teacher, the parents can even select a teacher to hire or use in a more homeschool capacity in some settings. In addition to assisting with instruction, monitoring classroom conduct, and participating in school operations, parents and caregivers can participate on the board of directors.
