Home How We Help California's Children Power of Preschool Tips for Parents & Caregivers
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Power of Preschool - Tips for Parents & Caregivers

 Because parents and caregivers are their children's first teachers, they have the greatest influence in making sure their children are getting the best possible start in school and in life. This makes it especially important for parents and caregivers to be closely involved and supportive of their child's education, starting with preschool.

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During a Child's Earliest Years

Quality preschool helps give children the best possible start in school and in life - both academically and socially. Children who attend quality preschools are taught many skills that help them start kindergarten ready to learn and succeed. Quality preschool helps children learn how to:

  • Socialize and interact appropriately with peers and teachers
  • Pay attention and follow teacher directions
  • Finish tasks
  • Practice new skills independently
  • Be persistent when learning something new
  • Develop large and small muscles
  • Have an easier time when they enter Kindergarten
  • Develop ways to help themselves
A quality preschool can also help teachers and parents identify any early learning disabilities or other special needs a child might have. Early identification and intervention services can help minimize any long-term effects.  For more information, please see our Special Needs Website.

The benefits of preschool last far beyond a child's earliest years. Research clearly shows that children who attend a quality preschool are more likely to thrive and be successful throughout their lives in many different ways. The examples listed below show the connection between going to preschool and succeeding later in life.

Children who attend quality preschool are more likely to:
  • Perform better on math and reading assessments throughout school
  • Display more self-confidence and positive behavior in the classroom
  • Graduate from high school and go on to college
  • Earn more money as an adult
  • Lead healthy lives
Children who attend quality preschool are less likely to:
  • Be placed in special education or held back a grade
  • Become involved in crime
  • Have teen pregnancies

Finding Quality Preschool

If you're looking for a quality preschool for your child, you need to have enough information to make an informed choice. It's important to choose a preschool that encourages children to learn, explore and interact both with teachers and each other. When choosing a preschool, look for one that will help your child learn at his or her own pace.

Always remember, young children learn through play, and preschool should be fun! A daily preschool schedule should include time for teacher instruction, hands-on learning activities, educational projects where children work independently and together in groups as well as time for recreational fun. When deciding upon a preschool for your child, it's important to ask the right questions and make a visit to see firsthand how it operates and whether it's a good fit for your child.

And it's important to know that even if your child does not attend preschool, there are ways to make sure they are being cared for in a stimulating and supportive way that encourages healthy development and learning. Anyone who cares for young children - including parents, relatives, friends or neighbors - can create a healthy preschool setting in their own homes by reading to children, playing and interacting in ways that help children feel secure.

For more information, check out our Quality Child Care site.
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