6 Different Types of Types of Preschool
Believe it or not, around 61% of American 3-to-5-year-olds attend preschool.
Preschool helps children adjust to an educational atmosphere. At the same time, they will get the proper amount of social and emotional support. It provides opportunities for play, physical development, and appropriate special education.
Yet what are the types of preschool available to children, and which one is best for your little one?
Let’s take a look.
- Montesorri
When researching preschools, you may have heard of Italian-inspired Montesorri pedagogy. What is Montessori preschool, and how can it benefit your child?
Montessori preschool was developed during the early 1900s by Dr. Maria Montessori. It focuses on child-led learning activities and encourages student independence.
If you take a tour of a Montessori classroom, you’ll notice a number of activity stations that children can choose from throughout the day. The teachers will weave throughout the groups and comment on student activities rather than lecture in front of the classroom.
A Montessori school provides a holistic education that focuses on the social, physical, and intellectual development of a child.
Many praise the exploratory nature of Montessori education. Children direct their own learning and can learn complex or abstract ideas through concrete objects. Little ones can each work at their own pace, developing concentration and coordination as they are ready to learn it.
Montessori classrooms enhance social interaction while fostering independence and confidence. They encourage a natural love of learning in a variety of situations and contexts. And they are inclusive of students with special needs, who can feel free to grow and learn at their own pace.
2. Reggio Emilia
Some preschools focus on a Reggio Emilia-style approach, which also has its origins in Italy. Like Montessori pre-school, Reggio Emilia-centered methods are child-centered and directed. It focuses on a child’s natural curiosity, which will foster a life-long interest in learning.
Reggio Emilia is based on the idea that children must have some choice when it comes to what they learn. So, they may get a number of options for projects where they get to select one that is of interest to them.
You’ll notice a variety of mediums used in Reggio classrooms. These include clay, paint, and dramatic play.
Reggio preschools are often known as “project-based” environments. Students will learn about the aspects of what they are studying as they create in meaningful ways.
You’ll notice things like flowcharts as evidence of learning in classrooms. These provide step-by-step records of the past and future. You may also get access to student portfolios as part of an assessment of student progress.
3. Faith-Based Preschools
Faith-based preschools can operate from houses of worship or independently. They teach subjects like social skills, math, and the natural world through the lens of religious principles.
Some parents prefer the moral and theological background that students receive in faith-based preschools. Many have nurturing environments and a strong sense of community.
4. Waldorf
Waldorf-style preschools are also popular throughout the country. They provide a blend of creative learning and structured activities.
In a Waldorf preschool, you’ll see children gathering for routine play-based times such as music or art classes. Yet students will also have plenty of opportunities to be creative and play outdoors.
Waldorf schools exclude things like videos and electronics, choosing instead to focus on activities such as cooking or play-acting. Building, dressing up, or knitting may also be a part of the experience. Parents with more free-spirited and inquisitive kids may take an interest in this type of approach.
5. Bank Street
The Bank Street method is also a child-centered preschool curriculum. It was developed in New York City during the early 1900s.
The Bank Street method focuses on play and taking advantage of teachable moments. Children may spend the day working on blocks, dramatic presentations, or field trips. They may also participate in activities like puzzles or science lab work.
Teachers may, for example, allow students to knead bread and then have a lesson about where food comes from. Or they may use snack time as an opportunity to discuss good food choices.
A bank street preschool may resemble a traditional preschool in terms of its routines. You’ll notice things like circle time, calendar time, and recess. Yet teachers are prepared to change topics based on student interest and motivation.
6. High Scope
High Scope preschools focus on helping students to make good decisions, build academic skills, and develop social skills. They offer plenty of opportunities for children to interact with adults while they’re playing. Adults may model a problem-solving approach when it comes to conflicts with ideas or other children.
In a high-scope preschool, teachers will create playspaces with open-ended materials designed to reflect children’s cultures, classrooms, and languages. It promotes independence and higher-level thinking in everyday life.
High-Scope preschools include daily routines that are similar to those of traditional preschools. They will socialize, have meetings, and assist with clean-ups. Students will eat together and learn basic self-care and problem-solving skills.
Children in high-scope preschools get assessed through objective, anecdotal observations. These get noted during students’ everyday interactions and allow teachers to evaluate meaningful experiences. Grades and formal evaluations get used less frequently.
Types of Preschool
Today’s educational system offers many different types of preschool that are designed to benefit the whole child. Modern education styles focus on play, creativity, and basic social development. With the right research, you could find the perfect environment for your child in no time.
Don’t stop getting smart about your child’s education and lifestyle now. For more great advice, read our blog today.
