Created B'Tzelem Elohim, "In the Image of God"

Within each child lies a spark of divinity, as we are created B'Tzelem Elohim, "In the Image of God." Every child is special, and deserves the chance to to find their spark. Follow their lead, as their interests may become their gifts.

Monday, December 6, 2010

An open conversation with the parents of preschoolers

Dear Parents,

There has been a great deal of confusion among parents over what is the best kind of preschool for young children. Maybe your child's preschool:

1.  Promises that your 4 year old will leave their program reading.
2.  Fills your child's day with "specials" like music, dance, Spanish, and gym. 
3.  Decorates the classrooms with store bought posters of the alphabet, shapes and colors.
4.  Sends home crafty projects every day. 

Or maybe it offers all of the above.

Guess what?

NONE of these is representative of quality. None.

These schools are doing what they think you want, not what is best for children.
Oddly enough, the teachers want to do what is best, but are worried that you will pull your child out if you think the school isn't "academic" enough.  So they continue to perpetuate this facade.

Who am I and why am I telling you this?

I'm an early childhood specialist.  And because someone has to stop the madness. 

Pass this along to friends of yours.  Send a link to your sister-in-law, your boss...anyone with young children.
And come back soon.  We've got lots to talk about.  You bring questions.  I'll bring research.

4 comments:

MaxHandelman said...

DJ, You give examples of what is NOT quality, but can you give examples of what IS quality?

Unknown said...

Hi Max,

In future posts we are going to cover the best environments for children, both in preschool and at home. Identifying quality isn't difficult once we understand how children learn and what they need in order to thrive. Check back for more info soon!

Unknown said...

I agree with your content overall but I am not sure I would include all of the examples like music and gym and "Spanish" as things that are not good in a program. I think it depends on how it is incorporated into the overall program.

Unknown said...

Hi Aileen,

I agree with you that there must be a planful way of scheduling specials in a program. A way that also allows for the recommended time for free play and exploration.

Maybe there are some schools out there that have had success in this area, and could share how they did it.

Thanks for bringing this up!