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Rochester Local

I’m so Happy about my Mom’s Good Decision! | Tips for Choosing a Preschool

As a young child, I was very curious, ABSOLUTELY LOVED to learn, and thrived when getting to socialize with other kids my age! This Thanksgiving, I am reflecting on my parents’ financial sacrifices they made in order to invest in me by providing me with a long-lasting experience.  I will always appreciate and look back upon my preschool experience with a very grateful smile.Epic Endeavors Academy, finding the right preschool, how to pick a preschool, kindergarten readiness, literacy, preschools, rochester mn preschools, sponsored posts, STEM, story hours, storytime

At age 4, my favorite preschool memories were:  Mom and I walking hand in hand to get dropped off, the tunnel tube we got to crawl through during playtime, calendar time, and listening to stories.  The stories came alive at preschool! My favorite story was Caps for Sale, written and illustrated by Esphyr Slobodkina. Not only did my teacher read it aloud, we preschoolers acted the story out; we became the monkeys! Numerous hats were left out with the book, so all preschoolers could share in the opportunity to retell a simple story with friends through play.epic endeavors preschool academy, preschool, looking for a preschool, preschool tips, education, pre-k, pre-k in rochester mn, pre-K education, pre-k options, preschool options, toddler, kindergarten readiness, rochester, roch mn, rochester minnesota, minnesota

Reflecting on my positive preschool memories, as a mom, teacher, and national staff developer, I realize the long-lasting, positive impressions preschool had on me and the encouraging memories surrounding literacy it can have on your child’s life.

It’s natural to want that long-lasting, positive preschool experience for your child, but it can be overwhelming when you think about starting to find the best preschool for your child.  My suggestion is to reflect on the following questions:

WHY, WHAT and HOW?

WHY IS IT:

  • important for your child to attend a preschool? This varies among parents. Some desire an environment with language enrichment, focused on developing speaking and listening skills with similar-aged peers.  Some parents desire an emphasis on academic growth with more of a rigorous kindergarten readiness program, ensuring letters, counting, early reading and writing skills are developed.  
  • helpful for a child to go to preschool? Check out the benefits for STEM concepts to be introduced at young ages.  (STEM is an acronym for the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.) Neuron development occurs in a stimulating, safe and positive learning environment filled with interaction and purposeful learning. As owner of EPIC Endeavors Precshool Academy, I am passionate about bringing in science and math through research reading, as children can begin to read before they know their letters and sounds by using their “thinking and inquiry skills” around STEM concepts. I love the quote from this article: “Experience is the architect of the brain.” 
  • important to own your decision from personal beliefs? It should always be what is the best programming for YOUR child and desires. Research each preschool’s niche to make an informed decision. EPIC Endeavors Preschool Academy’s niche embraces creating early readers in our youngest scholars by offering “right fit” books daily to preschoolers, while learning concepts in a STEM learning environment.  Check out one of EPIC’s partners in literacy.  epic endeavors preschool academy, preschool, looking for a preschool, preschool tips, education, pre-k, pre-k in rochester mn, pre-K education, pre-k options, preschool options, toddler, kindergarten readiness, rochester, roch mn, rochester minnesota, minnesota

WHAT?

  • do I look for when getting a tour? Do children get choice of play? Do children get opportunities to be a leader? Do children seem happy, well-mannered, and welcoming of all kids? Are routines built around lining up, free play, bathrooms, clean up, circle, or calendar time? Is there a mellow and calm learning chatter or “learning buzz?” Are new concepts introduced using high vocabulary rather than low-level vocabulary? Are kids given questions to answer and ponder, rather than commands only? Do you see students’ work displayed? Does the facility seem clean and up to date, i.e. use of website, Facebook, apps to communicate?
  • main questions do I seek to get answers on? What can I expect my child to learn and grow in each month? What is the monthly or weekly focus? What staff training is offered, and is it updated to 2016-2017?

HOW?

  • do I get started learning about preschools and their offerings? Search their websites, and follow them on social media. Some preschools offer FREE story hours or moms’ groups for young moms. Watch for open houses, and attend them periodically to get a feel for the facility. By bringing your child, you will be able to watch them in the environment and know if it is a “good fit.”
  • do I set up a tour? Get on the preschool’s e-mail list, and look for open houses. Call or text to see if you can come visit while children are in attendance.
  • do I enroll my child? Call or e-mail directors as soon as possible in order to have your best choice, as many have waiting lists well before the fall.
  • early should I start this process for my child? I would suggest getting acquainted with the preschools available when your child is age 1.epic endeavors preschool academy, preschool, looking for a preschool, preschool tips, education, pre-k, pre-k in rochester mn, pre-K education, pre-k options, preschool options, toddler, kindergarten readiness, rochester, roch mn, rochester minnesota, minnesota

Finding a Fit For Your Child’s Personality

Becoming informed about preschools is helpful in finding a fit for your child’s personality. Each one of my three kids attended a different preschool. My two oldest had positive experiences, yet they were very different. My youngest, who is very curious and always asking questions, is enjoying the STEM-focused preschool at Epic Endeavors Academy.  

Enjoy this moment in time and the journey of learning about each preschool’s special uniqueness.

I know you will seek out a best fit for your child. It’s important to be informed, to know your child, to visit Rochester preschools, and to always, always trust your gut. 

 

Trista Stamness is the owner and founder of Epic Endeavors Preschool Academy. 

 

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