When children enter preschool at the age of 2.5 years, they are merely beginning to discover themselves and the world around them. The environment they grow up in heavily affects certain important facets of their childhood, such as physical, emotional, social and mental growth. Since preschool children end up spending most of their day at school, they develop several useful skills and attitudes in school itself. Here are a few ways in which going to preschool enhances all-round development:

1. Sets the foundation for formal education

Learning in preschool plays a significant role in preparing children for other education levels. Preschool is where students develop literacy skills, which is basically the ability to read and write. Preschool also guides children to concentrate, think critically and recall already learned concepts, which are also skills that are essential in gaining formal education. These skills are extremely essential as they form a strong base upon which the higher education of a child develops. Hence, in order to help students find higher levels of learning easier and comprehensible, one must enrol their children in preschool. 

2. Interaction oriented environment

Vidyanchal School, a school in Aundh, in Pune has created and provides a very dynamic environment in order to trigger interaction amongst students. They admit students from a number of cultures and backgrounds so as to encourage all of them to understand different beliefs, principles, values and ways of life and to facilitate give and take of these ideas. When children socialise with others their age, they develop a variety of skills. For example, when children have disagreements with each other, they end up developing problem-solving skills, communication skills, effective expression of feelings and empathy. Such skills are easily learnt through peer interactions, which help students become their own independent individuals further in life.

3. Availability of amenities:

In a preschool, students are encouraged to participate in sports activities when a playground is available. Children become healthier, are able to stay away from lifestyle illnesses such as obesity and are able to strengthen their muscles and bones. Physical exercise also benefits the mental health of students in many ways. These play areas are also equipped with playground equipment that is conducive to solitary play, which helps children learn to be creative, confident and entertain themselves effectively.  

4. Guidance from teachers

Children, at such a tender age, tend to look up to their teachers a lot when they need appropriate guidance on issues. Teachers become strong pillars in children’s lives both in and out of academics. Preschools choose and hire the right teachers who are equipped to nurture and provide helpful direction unique to each child. Teachers can easily identify strengths and weaknesses that students may have and guide them according to what they require. Most preschool teachers do have a background of child psychology; therefore, they have the upper hand while guiding children on emotional balance. They teach learners how to react to different situations and how to handle those situations with care and empathy. The ability to balance emotions is a useful skill for a child even in after school life.

5. Creates an environment for a child’s individual growth

Enrolling a child to a preschool means that they have to be separated from the parents, which automatically helps children learn to become independent and self-reliant.  Preschool also helps children become self-aware, understand their self-worth and develop self-confidence. Preschool also helps children pick up essential traits such as hard work, patience, consistency, perseverance and determination which prove to be extremely useful later in life.

What affects one’s choice of Preschool?

The following are some tips on selecting the right preschool school for your child:-

1. Your personal preference

Making a list of expectations that you have from a preschool proves to be useful, since it helps you then compare your expectations to what the school is offering and make a decision based on the results. You can focus on finding a school which provides holistic development for children. 

2. Location of the school

In choosing the right preschool, you must consider a school in a suitable location, which is not too far away from home, so that it becomes more convenient and safe for your child. 

3. Safety of children

As a parent, the security of your child is always a top priority. Hence, a school must focus on providing excellent safety measures for children. These could include having security cameras and security personnel, alarms, etc. 

4. Distance 

Many parents look for a school near their home to reduce travel times for their kids. In case the school is far from your home, then consider the available means of transport.

5. Qualified teachers

A school should have competent, experienced, and professional teachers. Skilled teachers guarantee that children receive the right guidance for physical, emotional and mental development. 

6. Amenities

A school should have adequate amenities which children need for their overall growth. Playgrounds, interaction-oriented classrooms and other facilities contribute to all-round development of students.

7. Parental participation

Being involved in your child’s education is vital. As your child is still young, it is best to be involved in their progress as much as you can. Therefore, understanding the level of parent involvement in kindergarten is important. 

Vidyanchal School, a leading pre primary school in Aundh, Pune, provides a diverse environment for children for interaction.The school will admit children from different backgrounds and beliefs with varying ways of life.