As we step into the new year, it’s never too early to chart the course for your child’s academic journey – a journey that begins well before their kindergarten year. Yet, with the plethora of options available and the influx of information at hand, making the right decisions for your child’s formative years can feel daunting.

 

With years of experience in early childhood education, Julia Belsante, Director of the Early Learning Center at Battle Ground Academy, offers insight to help parents make informed decisions about pre-K.

 

Benefits of Pre-K:

“Pre-K education lays the foundation for vital academic and school-readiness skills,” says Belsante. “It allows students to learn interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and social and emotional vocabulary under the guidance of trained teachers.”

 

“As opposed to traditional daycare, a formal pre-K program offers a variety of lasting benefits for children as they begin to explore the world around them,” Belsante explains.

 

“Although academics are a large part of pre-K, my hope is that students learn to ask big questions and acquire the tools and skills to seek the answers,” says Belsante.

 

Enrolling your child in a pre-K program ensures they engage in activities that enhance fine and gross motor skills, literacy, numeracy, and self-reliance while fostering effective interaction with peers and mentors.

 

Preparing for Change:

Transitioning to pre-K can be a significant adjustment for both children and parents alike. Recognizing this, Belsante underscores the importance of preparing children for the new routine.

 

Belsante encourages parents to explain what a day at pre-K will look like for their children and set expectations beforehand. Avoid projecting your own emotions on the experience or emphasizing how much you will miss your child during the school day.

 

“Remember that you decide the tone of the experience through communication with your child,” she says.

 

Choosing Wisely:

“No child can do it all, and that’s OK,” says Belsante. “It’s important to find a pre-K program that meets your child’s needs, celebrates their strengths and supports them in areas where they have room to grow.”

 

When searching for the right pre-K program, Belsante encourages parents to look for teacher experience, a whole-child approach to learning and ample opportunities for sensory engagement. She cautions against overly academic programs, emphasizing the importance of a balanced educational foundation that nurtures curiosity and exploration.

 

“The ability to memorize letters and numbers is a very simple form of learning,” says Belsante. “Pre-K should be more about how students think and explore the world around them and ensuring that they are in an environment that fosters that mentality.” 
BGA is relaunching their pre-K program this year with two pre-K Four classes and one pre-K Five class. The Early Learning Center will adopt the same inquiry-based approach to learning that distinguishes BGA, but adapted for younger learners. Admissions for Fall 2024 are open.

 

To learn more, visit www.battlegroundacademy.org/about/early-learning-center.