What are the benefits of preschool?

Question

versus a child staying at home with a parent or part time babysitter. I know many benefits but perhaps not all. And what is the best age to begin preschool?

Answer 1

Depends on the preschool.  I keep seeing people say that 3 is too young, but in a Montessori classroom (where I work), 3 is an ideal age.

The best thing you can teach children in preschool is the ability to concentrate.  Concentration is something that does not happen as easily in the home setting.  

There is also the benefit of learning to separate from the home environment and be comfortable in other safe settings away from the parents or an individual care giver.  That is something that cannot be done in the home at all.

Obviously, some things can be learned through play groups, but I also feel there is a clear need for children to know the difference between work and play, to know when it's OK to work with someone and when it's time to let them work alone, and learning how to balance their time with what they want to get done and social interactions they want to have.  These things do not work as well in a play group.

Hope this helps!

Matt

Answer 2

I guess the best age would be 4-5, so that you child will be around people his/her age. 3 is a little too young, and unless the preschool has kindergarten and first grade in their program as well, anything above 5 is a little old

~well your child will be exposed to a kind of school like environment at an early age, making it so that you won't have to worry about them as much when it comes to kindergarten.

Also, they will make friends and learn citizenshp and basic manners unconciously without you having to constantly remind them to, since kids are always nice to their friends

Academic-wise, they will get a head start in kindergarten, since they will know their ABC's and also how to write their own names

hope i helped :)

Answer 3

The biggest benefit is the social benefit.  Preschool gets kids in the habit of doing school. While I believe in structure and consistencey - a kiddo going 3 times a week is just as good as going all week every day all day.  Kids learn about sharing and they learn to get along with others.  Depending on the preschool, I taught my kids skills. Stuff to preapre them for kindergarten. I also think there are so many things to do for kiddos. Stuff that you don't necessarily have at home... like water tables, play dough, finger paint and easel paint, sand boxes ... stuff like that... I'm a huge believe in preschool but I also think you should be wary and not find one that is too academically driven. Kids need to play and play alot at that age!

Answer 4

Socializatoin with same aged peers is the biggest benefit os preschool and this is something that cannot be done at home with a baby-sitter.  Children gain so much from interacting with other children within a school setting. They learn how to act in school, how to problem solve, have thinking skills, and how to work with other children and adults.  Preschool really helps prepare children for elementary school and makes them have an easier adjustment too.  Another great thing that children gain in preschool is self-help skills.  This can be done at home, but sometimes is better in a school setting because the children see other children doing the same thing.  Children also get familiar with a routine and this is good for their development.  They also learn some pre-academics.  The best age to begin preschool is 3-4  years depending on the child.    

Answer 5

Preschool means that your child mixes with children of a similar age. Therefore, they learn the value of sharing toys, being kind to each other,making friends (improving social skills.) Playing encourages development so although your child will play at home or with a babysitter they learn about losing games,encouraging others, working as a team. Children learn about being away from home and not seeing parents as much.