kidadmit's preschool 101 webinar series: preschool philosophies

Starting Your Preschool Search WEBINAR SERIES

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Preschool Philosophies

#preschool101@kidadmit

What we will cover today:ü  Become familiar with different types of preschool

philosophies

ü  Learn the main differences between each teaching approach

ü  How to evaluate a good match between preschool types and your child

ü  What your choice means within the bigger picture

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Who We Are

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Susan [email protected]


Some Webinar Ground Rules•  If you have questions, please enter them into

the question or chat box in GoToWebinar– We will address them during our Q&A period at the end of the webinar

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•  We’ll be using the hashtag #preschool101 on twitter to share facts and information from the webinar – please Retweet them or use the hashtag to share information you find interesting

•  If you have technical difficulties during the webinar, please let us know in the GTW chat box


Poll question

How many of you are actively searching for preschools right now?

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What is a Preschool “Philosophy”?

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•  Refers to the educational approach of the school

•  Reflects beliefs about how children learn

•  Guides the teaching and interaction methods between teacher and child

•  Many preschools are a blend, combining elements of different philosophies


“Child-Centered” vs. “Teacher-Led”

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less structured more structured

•  Teachers follow a set curriculum

•  Pre-planned schedules & activities, routine-based

•  Kids do certain activities in certain ways, usually as a class at the same time

•  Kids choose their own activities, lots of free play

•  Children allowed to learn at their own pace

•  Learning activities arise out of students’ interests

Play-‐Based Academic

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Academic


Academic/Traditional

Approach: Teacher-Led

Guiding Concept: Academically prepare children for kindergarten

Teacher’s Role: Plan curriculum, guide students in prepared class activities

Characteristics: Highly structured, very routine-basedFocus on more formal learning (letters, numbers, colors, shapes) and classroom etiquette (raising hands, following directions)

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Academic Classrooms•  Looks much like a kindergarten classroom. Structure of

the day is also very similar–play takes place at designated times

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•  Classroom is designed to support development of specific skills – colorful posters illustrating shapes or colors, telling time, letters of the alphabet

•  Often items around the room are labeled to reinforce pre-reading skills

•  Children often work at small tables, sometimes with designated spaces


Well Suited For:•  Children who do well in a structured environment, have

longer attention spans

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•  Kids who are able to sit and stay focused for longer periods, and who can take direction well

•  Families who wish to instill early academic learning in preparation for kindergarten, with less emphasis on the social-emotional side

Play-Based


Play-Based (aka “Progressive”)

Approach: Child-Centered

Guiding Concept: Children learn best through play

Teacher’s Role: Support students’ interests, encourage exploration, promote communication & cooperation

Characteristics: Most common preschool type in U.S.

Strong emphasis on developing social skills for kindergarten (sharing, collaboration, making good choices, solving problems)

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Play-Based Classrooms

•  Stations throughout the classroom with variety of open-ended activities (reading nook, water table, science area, home/kitchen play)

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•  Class comes together at certain times of the day (circle time, snack time, nap time)

•  Can seem chaotic and noisy, with children freely playing and exploring much of the school day


Well Suited For:

•  High-energy children who do best when active

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•  Social butterflies/enjoy making friends

•  Those who do well within noisier, more boisterous atmospheres

•  Families who are open to a less structured learning environment that supports children learning at their own pace


In A Director’s Words:

“A play based program allows 1-3 hours of uninterrupted play time in which children are self directed. The focus is on development of social skills and independence.

Children learn better through play than through an adult directed approach.”

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Montessori


MontessoriApproach: Child-CenteredOrigins: Based on teachings of pediatrician

Maria Montessori in Italy in early 1900’sGuiding Concept: Learning is a child’s work

Teacher’s Role: Specially-trained to act as guides–demonstrate, then observe

Characteristics: Strong focus on independence and developing mastery as students learn how to make their own choices, problem-solve

Emphasis on learning practical life skills (e.g., cleaning up after themselves)

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Montessori Schools•  1,300 member schools in the U.S., with additional schools

that are “Montessori-inspired” rather than using strictly Montessori methods–  Schools can call themselves “Montessori” without having specific

affiliation with national organization

•  Guiding organizations:

–  American Montessori Society (AMS)•  AMS member schools more strictly follow the Montessori

method

–  Association Montessori Internationale (AMI)

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Montessori Classrooms•  Classrooms are mixed-age (2.5 – 6 yrs), where older

students help mentor younger students

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•  Calm, orderly environments that have been prepared around specific areas: language, math, sensory, cultural, life skills

•  Children work with “manipulatives”/toys designed to be used in specific ways and that encourage self-correction (mistakes are clear so child can figure out solutions, as with a puzzle)

•  Often children are working independently as they develop mastery over new skills


Well Suited For:•  Children who do better in calmer environments and do

well playing/working independently

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•  Those who have longer attention spans and are able to follow directions

•  Families who prefer more of an academic emphasis combined with freedom for children to work at their own pace

Reggio Emilia inspired


Reggio Emilia InspiredApproach: Child-Centered/community basedOrigins: Created after WWII by teachers &

families of Reggio Emilia, Italy

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Guiding Concept: Each child has an innate curiosity and potential, which drives learning

Teacher’s Role: Collaborators with students, actively involved in a fluid learning process for both student & teacher

Characteristics: Project-based curriculum guided by the interests of the childrenEmphasis on exploration and discoveryCommunity-based approach, including more parent involvement


Reggio Emilia Inspired Schools•  Outside of the town of Reggio Emilia, it’s referred to as

a Reggio “inspired” approach

•  No prescribed method involved or defining set of requirements by a certifying organization

•  Inspired by the principles of collaboration–learning as a community effort, while honoring the individuality of each child

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•  Guided by the “Hundred Languages of Children”, i.e., encouraging children to use their many modes of expression (“languages”) in their development


Reggio-Inspired Classrooms•  Classroom environment is considered the “3rd teacher”

–  Bright, filled with natural & organic materials–  Designed to provoke curiosity, encourage interaction

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•  Open-ended materials support further exploration

•  Include an “Atelier” (mini art studio) area, since art is valued as an important part of every project

•  Walls become “documentation panels” to chronicle learning & progress


Well Suited For:•  Children who enjoy hands-on activities, exploration,

and/or are creatively inspired

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•  Kids who work well with others in a highly-collaborative & social environment

•  Families who want to be more involved in the classroom and prefer to see their child’s progress well documented

Waldorf


WaldorfApproach: Child-CenteredOrigins: Developed by philosopher Rudolf

Steiner in Stuttgart, Germany

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Guiding Concept: Nurture the child as a “whole”: Heart, Hands, HeadTeacher’s Role: Acts as a role model–demonstrates instruction for

kids to learn through imitation (in early years)Characteristics: Emphasis on imaginative play, creativity, and

cooperation with other studentsSet structure & routines (creates rhythm & predictability)

Academics are not included–no reading or writingArtificial materials & technology are discouraged


Waldorf Schools•  Schools must be part of a Waldorf association to use

the Waldorf name•  Teachers must complete 2-year training to become

certified to teach in the Waldorf method

•  Approx. 150 Waldorf schools in North America

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Waldorf Classrooms•  Homelike environment filled with natural materials

(wood, wool, shells, stones, pinecones) to stimulate imaginative play

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•  Won’t see writing materials or books–storytelling, singing, & movement (“eurhythmy”) used for expression

•  A class grows together as a cohort–has the same teacher for 3 years at a time

•  Nurturing environment encourages children to role play and use their minds creatively–families are strongly encouraged to extend the no-technology principles at home


Well Suited For:•  Creative, imaginative children who love to pretend-

play, make art, dance, sing, and enjoy group activities

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•  Families who wish to preserve the magic and security of childhood in the preschool years

•  Families who are comfortable with little or no screen time or technology in their home


In A Director’s Words:

“We focus on growing the imagination, social capacities, and artistic free play. Formalized instruction in writing begins in first grade. There is a home-like atmosphere in the nursery and kindergarten with an emphasis on working with the whole family through festivals and developing a rhythmical daily experience for the child.”

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Co-op/Parent Participation


Co-op/Parent ParticipationDefined: Administered by parents in the community;

Parents select the teachers, curriculum, and activities

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Guiding Concept: Usually play-based, but may incorporate any philosophy; Emphasis on cooperation & resolving conflicts

Teacher’s Role: Supervises classroom activity

Characteristics: Often less expensive than traditional preschoolsParents involved in all aspects of the school (administratively & in classroom)Typically part-time


Co-op Classrooms

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•  Community-like feel

•  Busy with parents rotating among different roles to help children with activities, guide cooperation with others

•  Classrooms often have different stations for kids to play (rice table, play kitchen, arts & crafts area, etc.)


Well Suited For

•  Active children who enjoy socializing with other kids

•  Parents with more flexible schedules who are looking for a more affordable preschool option

•  Families who want to take an active role in the school, work closely with the teachers, and be able to see how their children are developing in a learning environment

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Additional Program Types

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NAEYC

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•  Stands for National Association for Education of Young Children, a professional membership organization that works to promote high-quality learning for all young children (birth through age 8)

•  Has been offering accreditation to early childhood programs for 30 years

•  To receive accreditation, centers must complete a four-step process including an in-person visit to ensure compliance with NAEYC criteria


NAEYC Requirements

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•  No physical punishment, psychological abuse, or coercion

•  Completion of pediatric first-aid training/CPR

•  Sleep and supervision requirements for infants

•  Administrator qualifications

•  Program needs to be licensed and in good standing


Universal Preschool/Preschool for All

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•  Initiatives to bridge the learning gap by increasing availability of early childhood learning to under-served populations throughout the U.S.

•  In California, First 5 helps parents to uncover programs that receive funding specific to the Universal Preschool/Preschool for All initiatives

Preschool Development Grants: 18 states have new federal funding to expand reach to 200+ high-need communities. Winning states will enroll over 33,000 additional children under age 4.

Head Start: Programs designed for lower-income households that provide services to foster children’s growth and monitor progress to ensure readiness for kindergarten


Transitional Kindergarten/Pre-K

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The first year of a two-year kindergarten program that uses a modified kindergarten curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate

-  Often seen as part of public school districts

-  Geared towards children who are not emotionally/academically ready to enter a traditional kindergarten program

-  Good fit for students who are just shy of age requirements for kindergarten

-  Offers more structure and academics than typical preschool programs

-  Helps children prepare for kindergarten and elementary education


The Bigger Picture•  There is no “one” school that is best for every child•  Most children will do well in a high quality

preschool, regardless of the philosophy•  Look for schools where you think your child will

grow, stretch, and thrive based on his/her unique personality

•  Visiting the schools is the best way to get a feel for the environment (observe a class if you can)

•  Talk to the preschool director about their school’s individual educational approach


& Your Preschool Search

•  Take the Quiz for recommendations on which preschool type may be a good fit

•  Search by YOUR location & criteria

•  Save your top choices & compare requirements, deadlines, and features of these schools

•  Find Open House & tour dates

•  Apply directly to schools online

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Questions?

[email protected]

@kidadmitFacebook.com/kidadmit

Thank you!