Many families use a day care service when their kids are infants and toddlers. This provides the kids with a place to go while their parents are at work. Once your children are old enough, though, enrolling them in preschool programs may offer more benefits than simply attending daycare. Below, Imagination Childcare Academy in Rochester, NY, shares three facts about Pre-K programs that may help you make this decision.

Why Your Child Should Attend Preschool

1. To Socialize

Many major milestones your children should be working toward between the ages of one and five revolve around socializing. At this time, your little ones are learning social cues from those around them, so it’s important that they spend ample time with kids their age. In preschool programs, your children will learn valuable social skills, as well as sharing and collaboration.

2. To Prepare for Kindergarten

While starting kindergarten is not quite like moving from high school to college, having some education beforehand can help make this transition easier. Your kids can benefit from spending time in preschool programs before starting kindergarten because they’ll learn how to follow a structured day, how to be away from their parents for a full day of learning, and how to behave in an educational setting.

3. To Learn

Day care is often just a place for kids to hang out while their parents are otherwise engaged. While some programs offer learning opportunities, preschools are staffed with teachers to encourage age-appropriate learning that will give them a leg up when it comes time to start kindergarten. 

If you’re still not sure if preschool programs are right for your children, consider setting up a tour to check out a learning center with your own eyes. You can meet instructors, see the classrooms and better equip yourself to make this decision with your kids in mind. To learn about enrollment at Imagination Childcare Academy, call (585) 413-3948 or visit the website for information on their philosophies of active involvement and experimentation.