As your baby grows into a toddler, you may start to consider whether or not to enroll them in an early learning program. Early learning programs are offered to children as early as 2 1/2 years old, but that does not mean that your toddler will automatically be ready around this time. If you’re looking to enroll your child into an early learning of half-day kindergarten program, here are a few ways to test whether or not your child is ready.
Early learning child development programs are designed to help children prepare for kindergarten. Children who are enrolled in these program give the child a basic foundation of a classroom environment, and can help them develop the social and verbal skills that are required for the modern day kindergarten class.
Early learning programs are great for children who are fairly independent from an early age. Most early learning programs want a child who is able to take care of basic needs on their own, such as using the bathroom or eating a meal. Encourage your child to do things independently, such as getting dressed or brushing their own hair.
If your child has not spent a lot of time away from you, or has shown signs of separation anxiety, it is likely they are not ready for an early learning program. To prepare your child for time away from you, try scheduling small outings for your child where you are not present. This helps the child adjust slowly, using shorter doses of time apart to ease them into the idea of being separated from you.
If you’re considering enrolling your child in an early learning program, it’s advised that you first talk to your child about it. If they seem anxious about it, it may be good to schedule a meeting with the directors of the program. With these meetings, you can expose your child to the facilities to gauge how comfortable they are in a classroom environment. While pre-kindergarten programs may not be right for every child, they can be a great way to make your child’s transition into school smoother.
