placement assistance ...
Preschool -
Academics or Play?
Discussions about academics in early childhood programs often oversimplify the debate as a choice between academics or play in preschool and kindergarten.
In truth, all high-quality early childhood programs are academic, but in a professional and appropriate way. Research shows that young children learn best through manipulation of materials and hands-on experiences, planned by knowledgeable teachers. To parents, this learning may look like play, but it is play with purpose.
A good teacher creates a learning environment. She organizes materials so that children use them to figure things out, practice skills, and learn new concepts. Children get time to explore those materials, so that through repetition and success they develop the confidence to try more complex activities. Most important, the teacher is always ready to teach.
Much of the misunderstanding in this debate between play and academics stems from the definition of 'teaching' for young children. Many people see a teacher only as an instructor, imparting concepts and skills to patiently listening young children.
Good preschools and kindergartens know that three-, four- and five-year-olds are wigglers and doers. To help children stay with tasks and learn important concepts and skills, teachers work with, instead of against, their individual developmental styles. A good teacher watches as a child explores materials. He asks open-ended questions that stimulate the child's thinking: "What do you think would happen if you tried...?" She helps develop vocabulary by describing what the child in doing: "I see you used lots of colors - red, green, blue and brown."
To nurture reading and writing skills, teachers read many stories each day with children. Through these stories, children learn many of the conventions of written language, use picture clues, and play with the sounds of language. Teachers help children learn to recognize their own names and encourage them to write their names and other words. Teachers embed literacy activities in meaningful experiences: writing letters to friends, reading the classroom helper chart, and labeling the classroom.
Good preschools and kindergartens also implant math and science in children's activities. Counting and one-to-one correspondence are learned in daily routines of attendance and setting the table for snacks. Geometry is explored in block building. Vocabulary and concepts of measurement are taught at the sand and water table. Scientific observation is developed through projects about weather, seasonal changes, and plant and animal life.
In high-quality preschools and kindergartens, academic learning is playful and exploratory. Children contribute their own ideas, use their own problem-solving strategies, and pursue their own interests. Teachers skillfully weave in academic goals and objectives as they build on what children can do, and challenge them to try new things. Children are not left to their own devices, nor is their development left to chance.
Quality teachers know that high standards are important, but they also know the nature of learning at this age, and how academics are most effectively and appropriately incorporated into preschool and kindergarten. Using play to build success does not mean the curriculum is not academic. It means it is what's best for three-, four- and five-year-old children.
Excerpted from "Rigorous Academics in Preschool and Kindergarten?" by Gaye Gronlund - an article in the NAEYC journal, Young Children.
Early Years Are Learning Years™ is a regular series from NAEYC (www.naeyc.org) providing tips for giving young children a great start on learning.
Selecting the Right Elementary School
Parents take different factors into consideration when it comes to choosing an elementary school for their child. The right school can provide academic and extra-curricular opportunities to maximize a child's potential and develop new interests, skills and friends.
All schools differ in setting, size, philosophy and structure. Teaching and discipline styles, religious affiliation, and the role of arts and athletics are additional elements that define each school. What other factors should be considered when choosing a school? How does your family know if your child will feel comfortable? Will the school adequately meet your child's unique needs? Is there a public, charter or magnet school that would provide the kind of education you are looking for, without investing in a private school education?
Educational consultants are trained professionals who possess extensive knowledge of educational options. This expertise, combined with a caring approach to understanding your child, helps families identify a school which is both academically and socially appropriate.
An educational consultant meets personally with families to discuss their unique concerns. To find the right "fit" for your child, the consultant learns as much as possible about your student and family. Consultants help you clarify your child's educational needs, identify strengths and weaknesses, and consider interests and dislikes. A consultant can help facilitate the process of selecting the school in which your child can be happy and successful.
The consultant helps you understand what to look for in a school. Every school's image is beautifully presented, but how do you uncover the school's true profile? Because a consultant knows your child well and has a thorough knowledge of which schools meet your family's needs, he or she can formulate a customized list of appropriate options. A consultant can then point out specifics about each school such as admission criteria, student-teacher ratio, academic and extra-curricular activities and various other characteristics of the student body and school community which aid you in your decision.
Consultants serve the immediate and long-term interests of your child. The consultant stays in touch with you and your child to ensure that the placement is successful and to assist you in developing an extended educational plan from elementary school to middle and high school, and beyond.
An educational consultant listens to your special concerns, helps you thoroughly investigate the options, and monitors your child's progress to ensure a successful school experience.
Adapted from the Independent Educational Consultant Association’s website.
Elementary School Consultation
Even with early panic setting in by the time your child is two, searching for a high-quality preschool can be a nerve-wracking experience. L.A. School Scout offers you a partner in this process. As an educational consulting service, L.A. School Scout offers skilled professional assistance to help families on the Westside of Los Angeles find and choose a preschool that is a good personal match, which will foster your child’s cognitive, developmental, physical and social-emotional growth.
We provide each family with individual attention, and firsthand knowledge of local educational opportunities. Services include: an assessment of your family’s needs, a list of referrals to specific preschools on the Westside which best match your family’s needs and your child’s educational needs, a schedule of school tours, proactive networking with preschools on your behalf, and follow up until you get at least one acceptance from a preschool.
Services Provided
- Family needs interview and assessment
- Research into appropriate placements
- Customized preschool list, including tour or open house dates and application fees
- Scheduling of all preschool tours and open houses
- Application deadlines and materials
- Brochures and school materials
- Information on different educational approaches
- Tour/application status tracking grid, updated daily
- Consultation on school/family interface
- Follow-up with schools and families
- On-going support, until your child is enrolled in a preschool
- Upon enrollment and application, L.A. School Scout will provide a free
earthquake kit for each child, based on specific school requirements.
Questions? Please call L.A. School Scout at 877.877.6240.