A well-rounded preschool curriculum prepares children for academic success through the rest of their schooling years. Research has shown that 90% of the human brain’s capacity is developed during the first five years of life, so parents should carefully select the early learning center they choose for their child. While everyone’s needs are different, all reputable preschool curriculums share three common elements.

The Basis of an Effective Preschool Curriculum

Purposeful Play

From acting out a play to running around with friends, all aspects of play are integral to a young child’s development. An effective preschool curriculum will use play to introduce topics such as science and math and teach children how to interact with their environments.

Parents should look for early learning centers staffed by teachers who can turn any activity into a lesson. For example, instructors can use building blocks to teach children about spatial reasoning and basic physics while pointing out photos of famous architectural structures.

A Mix of Independent & Group Learning

Children have short attention spans, and an effective early learning center will incorporate this into their lesson plans. Parents should look for a preschool curriculum that focuses on both independent and group learning tactics. While working alongside peers teaches children about cooperating, brainstorming, and taking turns, independent studies reinforce self-reliance and problem-solving skills.

The Freedom to Choose

While programs should have structure, it’s important that students have autonomy in choosing some of their daily activities. The ideal preschool curriculum will feature both planned lessons and free time, in which children can explore a self-directed activity. This not only keeps learning fun, but it also allows young learners to explore different topics and develop personal interests.

Set your child up for success with the preschool curriculum at Mendon Child Care Center in Mendon and Victor, NY. This child care center blends learning and play to offer young learners a stimulating environment that will carry them from infancy through grade school. They offer separate programs for infants and toddlers, as well as preschool-aged children. Older children up to the age of eight can participate in reading, art, and music activities through their after-school care program. To learn more about their curriculum, visit Mendon Child Care Center’s website or give them a call today at (585) 624-2337.