via Google

There are parents out there who would prefer to have their child stay home and be cared for by a parent, grandparent or caregiver rather than learning in an environment with other children.

Yet, research shows that early education is actually extremely beneficial and even essential for a child. It’s not just their cognitive development that comes into play, but their social and emotional development as well.

Here are seven reasons why you should consider signing your child up for preschool instead of keeping them learning at home.

Via Atlanta Parent

1. Your child will learn the importance of partnership

Dr. Jessica Alvarado, academic program director for the BA in Early Childhood Development at National University, says that pre-school is “a time when children learn critical social and emotional skills and a partnership is formed between the child, their parents and the teacher. When this is done successfully, it lays the groundwork for it to continue throughout the child’s education.”

2. Your child will be prepared for kindergarten much better than if prepared at home

Kindergarten is a time when children communicate and work with each other on puzzles, group projects, games, and more. They work together in a classroom setting that is mimicked in a preschool setting. Some say that preschool makes children grow up too fast, but you can choose which preschool your child attends— pick one that balances academics and fun activities! Most preschools prioritize artistic and emotional bonding between students just as much as teaching them letters and numbers and days of the week.

3. Preschool promotes social and emotional development

At home, a child has only immediate family to play with, and often, that family is much older than the child. In order for a child to learn how to share, how to communicate with people their age, how to give up the “spotlight,” and how to feel a connection with different types of personalities. Teachers in preschools are skilled professionals who know how to stimulate environments where these children can grow— they find “teachable moments” and share that with your child. They know when to let children problem-solve and when to intervene.

Via Seneca Academy

4. Preschool provides structure for your child

Many don’t realize this, but preschool is set up in a certain way where children learn what they need and want and how to maneuver their way through a schedule. Children may not realize the structure but the effects of them experiencing nap time every day, playtime, lunchtime and learning time allows them to expand their mind as well as focus in a given time frame. In other words, they learn to switch gears without anxiety for change.

5. Children learn to problem-solve and make important decisions

A preschool setting exposes a child to different toys, different children, different trust-building exercises with strangers— this allows a child to begin to rationalize their feelings and choices. Children may want to play with another group of kids and approaching that situation builds their emotional development as mentioned before. Teachers will aid a child who is wandering aimlessly around the room, afraid to join any group.

Via Today’s Family Magazine

6. Preschool teaches pre-literacy and math skills

At home, parents might not be equipped in teaching the soft skills of pre-literacy and math that can actually help build a child’s foundation for kindergarten and elementary school. Youngsters are curious, observant and soak information up like a sponge. This is the perfect time to begin to show them the world of reading and math. Preschool teachers are trained to provide the proper exercises and activities that help a child learn, like word association, read-aloud or rhyming, and for math, matching, sorting, or counting games. These methods help children gain insight into these concepts in a way they find fun and exciting.

7. Preschool also promotes motor skills

Beyond cognitive, emotional and social development, there is one more that preschools improve: motor development. Children are encouraged to run around, play in the sandbox, climb monkey bars, play tag, tackle balance beams etc. These activities not only provide a physical outlet for children’s energy, but also cut shapes out of paper, thread beads and make crafts. All this helps a child develop hand-eye coordination, understand the world around them and learn how to move in this world while safe and protected among trusted caregivers.