A Parent's Guide to Adjusting to Preschool

The transition to pre-school can be challenging for 3 and 4 year olds and their parents. Preschool is a big step for children, even those who are veterans of the daycare system, because of the larger-scale environment and school readiness emphasis. And for parents, the seemingly overnight changes in their children can be startling.

More Children, More Behaviors

Ages three and four, when many children begin pre-school, are years of exploration and increasing independence. Children leave their baby years behind them while still retaining many of the curious characteristics of the early years. Simultaneously, children become more susceptible to social pressure and the pre-school environment creates opportunities for social learning both good and bad.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) recommends specific teacher-child ratios for early childhood education centers, including pre-schools. These numbers vary by class size, but in general, a ratio of 1 teacher to 8 or 10 children is a strong predictor of program quality, developmentally-appropriate curriculum, and positive interactions. As children get older the recommended teacher-child ratio increases. The larger class room means that children spend more time on their own or in small groups, and without adult attention 100 percent of the time.

Additionally, a pre-school may have a two year age span and 5-year-old have a lot to teach 3-year-olds. Children entering pre-school learn how to behave in social environments, about sharing and others' feelings, and how to follow a general schedule. All of these behaviors will serve them well before entering kindergarten. Conversely, whether it is swinging on the monkey bars (and then banging their heads) or imagining fishing poles (and catching little girls dresses), the older kids demonstrate new physical behaviors.

Parental Response