From the look of things, early childhood education programs are the same. They seem to exhibit similar play-based learning and gradually introduce the structure of schooling to children. While these ideas are valid, there are still specific differences between preschool and kindergarten programs. 

Both programs are for young children who are not yet in their grade school. Other than this, here are the things you should know about the distinctions between preschool and kindergarten:

Age. Broadly, kindergarten is open to five-year-old kids throughout the United States. Some states like Virginia make it compulsory, while others mandate it for the six or seven-year-old. Meanwhile, kindergarten in Washington is mandatory only for eight-year-old students. 

Note that each state has a particular cut-off for enrollment date. Thus, suppose a child is below five or another compulsory age before enrollment. The student can take kindergarten in the next school year. 

On the other hand, there are no strict rules for preschool. But in chronological order, it should come before pre-k and kindergarten. Most schools, if not all, make it open for the three-year-olds considering that pre-k is for eligible four-year-old kids. 

Standards of learning. Notice the age requirement for kindergarten? It is only one of the particulars for this program. Kindergarten is a primary education level in the US. With that, schools adhere to the learning standards of their respective states and education authorities, like the teacher-student ratio. 

For instance, Rainbow Preschool and Child Care Center follows Virginia’s Standard of Learning (SOL). The class has the ideal teacher-student ratio that allows one-on-one sessions and a student-focused learning approach. Our kindergarten program also consists of learning activities about Spanish, music, computer, lab, and more.

Typically, the quality of schools for kindergarten must meet the SOL. In preschool, the practices are up to the schools.

The class structure. The kindergarten curriculum is almost similar to grade schools with play-type learning activities. Moreover, education authorities monitor kindergarten programs to see if they adhere to the standards of its state. 

Preschool is more of a play-based setup where kids are encouraged to explore and adopt basic learning skills—for example, learning letters and writing and hands-on math. 

Activities and lessons in preschool may not be as structured as in kindergarten. Nevertheless, this learning stage also prepares young children for their kindergarten class. What’s important to note in preschool is that its curriculum may vary depending on its philosophy and system. 

Expectations. It is expected that kindergarten students can follow instructions and routines, communicate their ideas and feelings, and be open to activities. They also should be ready for the in-depth learning experience. Meanwhile, preschool serves as a training ground for kids for pre-k and kindergarten through fun and age-appropriate approaches. 

Most preschool-age kids or three to four years old are just starting to be independent, get to know the idea of school, and more. Some are also not potty-trained, can stay for the whole day in school, and are too shy to play with other kids. Thus, preschool teachers need to be patient in these matters. Their role is to introduce and encourage young kids to enjoy schooling.

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Many parents are still unsure about what kind of education they should be giving their children and how much they should spend on it.

In this situation, it is not about whether pre-kindergarten is better than kinder. It is about making a well-informed choice about the type of education your child needs and your willingness to pay for it.

Structure

Both preschool and kindergarten children have ample playtime, but preschool is nearly totally devoted to playing. Kindergarten often requires kids to master specific topics, and children are frequently asked to sit quietly and concentrate on their work. In preschool, learning occurs naturally as a result of a child’s interests during play, and lessons are often brief. Preschool instructors’ educational accomplishments vary; some place a greater emphasis on formal instruction, while others place a greater emphasis on the significance of play.

Student behavior

Kindergartners are expected to have greater control over their impulses than preschoolers. Preschool teachers may prioritize dissipating children’s energy via play, whereas kindergarten teachers anticipate kids being able to concentrate on teachings for brief periods of time. Students who have difficulty concentrating or sitting still in kindergarten may need additional assistance or be diagnosed with an attention deficit disorder. However, in preschool, this behavior is considered normal and anticipated.

Accreditation

Unlike elementary and secondary schools, many preschools are privately owned by churches, businesses, and individuals. Some of these preschools operate more like daycare centers than schools and are frequently unaccredited by governmental agencies. As a result, preschools differ far more in terms of quality and programming than kindergartens. While kindergarten classrooms must adhere to state educational requirements, preschools may develop their own educational standards unless accredited or funded by the state.

Join us at Rainbow Preschool and Childcare

At Rainbow Preschool & Child Care, we understand that the most valuable gift a teacher can provide a parent is the knowledge that their child is in capable and caring hands while in the classroom or child care center. With this in mind, we invite you to tour our facility at any time—we are looking forward to meeting you and your child!

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In this situation, we should discuss the difference between preschool and kindergarten, but firstly, let’s define some terms. The definition of preschool is any type of preschool or pre-primary education that provides students with an early childhood development foundation. In this stage of education, students receive instruction from their teachers for their age groups. The curriculum used will be determined by the teacher and the school. It may also be influenced by a state’s requirements. Some states have specific curriculums that require children to learn certain concepts, such as numbers. If this is the case, then these concepts must be taught to children during the preschool years. Preschool is not just about children learning to read. The curriculum will provide them with a broader understanding of the world around them, helping them make better decisions as they get older.

Kindergarten, on the other hand, is a formal education program for children who are four and five years old. They are taught in a structured environment with a fixed curriculum, which is provided by their teachers. Some states require kindergarten, while others do not. However, kindergarten provides an opportunity for children to learn how to read.

Why It Is Critical to Have a Pre-school Education

Children gain vocabulary and language abilities in the early preschool years, are exposed to a variety of materials, and begin to develop skills such as cooperating with peers and collaborating on projects. By the time children join the kindergarten classroom, they have gained the confidence to work independently and apply their abilities to more in-depth projects with their classmates.

Consider their enthusiasm and confidence as kids collaborate with peers to do science experiments, construct bridges, and write and perform stories! Because they are in the early phases of abstract thinking, everything they do takes on a richer aspect. They are capable of resolving conflicts and assuming leadership responsibilities in the classroom. Not only does a high-quality preschool program academically prepare children for future school achievement, but it also provides opportunities for social-emotional development and self-esteem.

Consider preschool to be a vital part of the transition to kindergarten. Both preschool and kindergarten place a premium on engaging, inquiry-based activities, but a preschool program focuses specifically on kindergarten readiness: developing the skills children will need in kindergarten.

Welcome to Rainbow Preschool and Child Care Center.

At Rainbow Preschool & Child Care Center in Virginia Beach, VA, we can assist you in guiding your child toward success. Our learning center takes pride in assisting students in achieving academic and social success in a supportive and exciting educational atmosphere.

Apply today/ Call us at (757) 460-2150.

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The right age for kindergarten

If we consider the norm and practices, a seven-year-old looks old. But bear in mind that even some states recognize that kindergarten is only compulsory at this age. It includes:

• Alaska
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nevada
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Wyoming

By the way, in Washington, kindergarten is only mandatory when turning eight years old. 

Capacity to learn. A critical factor to consider in kindergarten is the readiness of the child. If each one is unique, it involves pace and skills to study a particular level of interests or subjects. Add the idea that not all six-year-olds are ready for structured learning for various reasons like:

• Separation issues
• Need potty training
• A problem with communication or expressing messages
• No keen to socialize with classmates and teachers
• Not open to follow instructions and routines

To gain these skills, a student needs more time or prior preparation before turning six. In the case of the former, the time may be equivalent to a year, which makes sense that a child turns seven years old when taking kindergarten.

Maturity. Seven-year-old kindergarten students also most likely gain maturity and come prepared to learn. It is, based on the research—Gift of time? School Starting Age and Mental Health—of Stanford Graduate School of Education Prof. Thomas Dee and Hans Henrik Sievertsen of the Danish National Center for Social Research.

According to their assessment, hyperactivity and inattention become less when kids age seven years old. These connect to self-control which has a significant effect on performing better in school or learning.

Importance of pre-K and other preschool programs

Whether a child intended to take kindergarten at seven or not, experts recommend taking pre-k before transitioning to this level. Here are the practical reasons why parents and educators choose this option:  

• It is a program that sets the stage for children to grasp the idea of schooling and structural learning.

Each level of learning has objectives, and kindergarten is no exemption. It may be the first stage of formal schooling, but there are already expectations from students. It includes social skills that allow them to do educational activities with small or big groups. 

On the other hand, obtaining social skills also leads to acquiring communication and motor skills. The good thing is preschool and pre-k help kids to be comfortable in socializing through play-based education.

• Preschool programs offer an age-appropriate curriculum that nurtures learning abilities in children.

Whether a child takes time to learn or exhibits advancement, either of these demands support from adults. All young children go through stages where they develop various traits like being inquiring or shy. 

In supporting curious kids, adults around them should be willing to offer guidance. They must be patient to provide answers to questions and lead children to positive discipline. It is also the same with shy types, who need support to be more open to explore and socialize.

Aside from kindergarten-related matters, kids also reap more benefits from preschool programs. These are because preschools provide activities and lessons that are age-appropriate or best fit to their development stages.

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Across the US, it is common education practice that five-year-olds are eligible to enter kindergarten. Some states make it compulsory when kids turn six or seven. However, there are also places that five-year-olds should be in kindergarten already, such as Virginia. Hence, it is an intuitive decision for some parents to send their young kids to kindergarten at five or six because of some standards. 

Five or six years old can be kindergarten-ready

Overall, starting school at five or six years old is not a problem, and perhaps, an astute decision. It is if the kid is ready and comes prepared to study. In this sense, parents should remember first that being a learner is not all about age or academics. It is also about the skills and behavior of their children towards being school students. Also, not all five or six-year-olds have the same maturity and learning pace. Recognizing these brings pleasant experiences to a child, momentarily or permanently. 

Here are some means to help young children get used to attending classes.

Choose a fitting schedule. If a pupil has separation issues, a half-day class for two to three days a week can be a good option. A few hours of attending class may appease a young one to experience learning with others. A full day may stress a shy or sleepy kid.

On the other hand, a full-time class schedule may also be a solution depending on how a child adjusts. The idea is the more a child spends time in school, the quicker they become comfortable in this environment.

Be involved in school activities. For schooling or not, kids with supportive parents become motivated and active in learning. So what more if their mommies and daddies are game to join them in school activities.

A significant step for five or six-year-old kids before kindergarten

It is a leap for young ones to take primary education connected to its structured setup. There are expectations that they have acquired some learning skills to study various subject matters. For example, kids are at least agreeable to follow instructions from teachers. They also have no problem joining classroom activities. In this manner, it is good they come prepared by taking education programs before kindergarten. 

In terms of early childhood education, several state-run programs support four-year-old kids to take preschool and pre-k. An example of such is the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VIP). It supports young children not covered by Head Start to take preschool or pre-k before transitioning to kindergarten. The objectives are to address learning issues and help them perform well academically.

Concerning preparation for kindergarten, some parents choose academic redshirting. They intentionally postpone the entrance of their toddlers to kindergarten and buy time to get them prepared first. And based on the studies and practices redshirting has, the kids get prepared by enrolling in preschool or pre-K programs. 

The decision to let the five or six-year-old young kids attend school is up to the parents generally. However, it is one of those things that should be well-thought because it affects how a child would love to be a pupil or lifelong learner. 

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Beginning early in school also means that a student will graduate and start a career at a young age. It is conceivable if the child will not experience bumps in learning in school. However, according to some studies, starting young in school may not only be stressful for kids. It may also make them think negatively about learning or education in general. 

Schooling for four or five-year-old kids

When it comes to primary education or kindergarten, five years old is relatively the acceptable age throughout the US. In some states like Virginia and Hawaii, five years old is the compulsory age. A parent can also drop or delay the enrollment of a child. It is allowed given the valid reason and submission of a formal request. 

Other concerns that affect the entrance to kindergarten are birthdays of some children and enrollment cut-off. The enrollment period in most states is between July 31 and September 30. In this regard, the kids whose birthdays fall after the registration would have no choice but wait for a year. Meanwhile, children who celebrate birthdays in the earlier months of the same year would be considered young five-year-old students before the start of the class. 

Many parents believe the four or five-year-old kids are too young to start schooling. It is where academic redshirting or delaying for a year the enrollment of kids to school. For parents, this is ideal, so the kids have time to prepare or develop their learning abilities. Moreover, a year of postponement would make a child more mature and ready for learning.

Not about the age alone

While four or five-year-olds are young for kindergarten, it is considered fit for the early childhood education programs, especially pre-k. Several research reports also implied that preschool and pre-k help improve the learning abilities and behavior of young kids. Pre-k, in particular, sets up the stage for kindergarten. Young kids who take this will be aware or keen on the structured environment of kindergarten. 

In essence, the advantages of academic redshirting are only realizable with pre-k. Note that the age of maturity alone is not enough to say that a child is ready to be a student. Parents should take action to nurture their learners through various educational activities or programs. 

Additionally, early intervention in the learning aspect is practical and ideal. It points to the idea that every child is distinct, so they also have varying needs and progress. Some are already showing curiosity and stamina to join classroom activities. To stop or ignore their development may also mean missing opportunities to help them. With the help of early childhood education experts, child-related problems can be discovered and solved immediately. 

Exposure in preschool and pre-k is not only all about the cognitive aspect of learning relevant subject matters. These programs also paved the way for improving the social, physical, and emotional sides of children. With caring support, they have better self-esteem and a sense of independence in learning. 

Another critical point before parents enroll their children in school is to know them better. Their observations make sense to get the best and specific steps to help young kids love learning even at four or five years old.

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Most, if not all, states qualify five-year-old kids to enter kindergarten. So far, 12 have made it a compulsory age requirement for kindergarten as per compiled 2020 State Education Practices  (SEP) report. It includes:

• Arkansas
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Hawaii
• Maryland
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina 
• South Dakota
• Virginia

Whether for eligibility or compulsory, take note that every state has specific rules. In Virginia, for example, a five-year-old child on or before September 30 should be enrolled in kindergarten. When choosing to delay, parents have to inform or explain the reason to their local education district. 

Typically, a health concern is an acceptable reason to delay taking kindergarten. However, various factors make parents choose to start it early or late. 

Points of academic redshirting

Postponing an eligible-aged child to take kindergarten is also called academic redshirting. Parents choose this route to give their children ample time to prepare for their primary education. For them, the delay is advantageous, so their kids become better academically, socially, and physically. 

Another idea about redshirting or starting late in kindergarten is maturity. Some young five-year-olds are not keen on a structural setup with a definite routine and curriculum. Ideally, they develop qualities that make them receptive learners. Thus, it is excellent if they are potty-trained, follow directions, and can join physical activities. Grown-up kids typically have these traits and tend to be confident about communicating their ideas and emotions.

Meanwhile, a report of Philadelphia Inquirer presented some of its disadvantages, including older or advanced kindergartners find themselves unchallenged. In an interview with Dr. Eric Boose of Cleveland Clinic, the family medicine practitioner mentioned that girls benefit from starting late in kindergarten. However, they incline to bully younger girls in school. 

Starting early in kindergarten

Usually, summer birthdays dictate whether a child needs to enroll in the next school year for kindergarten. For example, children who just turned five a few months or weeks before enrollment are considered younger in kindergarten. In states like Kansas and Louisiana, however, the compulsory age for kindergarten is seven. Thus, it gives parents some space in decision-making.   

An advantage of starting early in kindergarten is children also graduate young from school. Hence, they have a good head start when they join the workforce someday. Some young five-year-old kids are also already showing readiness to take kindergarten. To delay nurturing their potential may also affect their progress and enthusiasm in learning. A solution to this is to enroll a child in a pre-kindergarten program.

Overall, experts advise that parents should be aware when their children are ready for kindergarten. The determinants in starting early or late vary from academics to physical to social development. It should be a child-focused decision. On the other hand, preschools can help parents assess and prepare their children for kindergarten.  

If you’re looking for a preschool for kids, choose Rainbow Preschool.

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In some states, parents choose to enroll their kids who have summer birthdays the next school year. Typically, these kids just turned five or six before the start of classes. While kindergarten is generally beneficial for kids, what about those who are seven when they enter kindergarten? Are they too old for this stage? 

The eligible to enter or compulsory age for kindergarten

In Alaska and Idaho, kids aged five before September 1 are already eligible for kindergarten. However, kids are only required to enter kindergarten when they turn seven years old as per the 2020 State Education Practices (SEP). Meanwhile, the mandatory age in Ohio, New York, and Texas requires six-year-olds. While in Virginia, Rhode Island, and Maryland, it is already required when turning five years old. 

Note that there is more to know in the educational practices in each state, whether it is about eligibility or compulsory to take kindergarten. For example, when a kinder-eligible child skips for a year in kindergarten, the parent must submit a request application or explanation to their school district. Thus, it is a significant decision to delay or make their children take kindergarten at seven. 

In some cases, however, parents intentionally choose this or do academic redshirting. It has become an ideal option so young kids can have a year to prepare for kindergarten.  

The pros and cons of kindergarten for the seven-year-olds

If you analyze the studies about redshirting, a seven-year-old kindergarten enjoys several advantages. One of the top noted ones is academic advancement. If they take programs such as preschool and pre-kindergarten first, they become well-prepared. They get to know the fundamental lessons like recognizing letters or counting numbers. They also have opportunities to develop further their social, physical, and cognitive skills. These moves make them ready or even excel in kindergarten, which involves an organized and challenging curriculum. Moreover, gaining some maturity also makes children carry themselves, particularly on the emotional side. 

According to the report, “The Gift of Time? School Starting Age and Mental Health,” published on the National Bureau of Economic Research, hyperactivity and lack of focus is less when a child hits seven. 

On the other hand, Dr. Eric Jones shared in his interview with health.clevelandclinic.org that redshirting could be beneficial in some but not in all aspects of child development. It may be offered academic advancement for certain education levels, but not long term. He also mentioned the research about students who started late in kindergarten are inclined to be undergraduates. 

Several experts emphasize that parents should not delay study for the mere fact of advancement. Their choice should be according to the learning needs of their children.

Another valuable consideration is the quality of interventions before kindergarten. Seven years old or younger kids undergo several stages of development. Being the older one in the class is not always equivalent to being better in class. It is still ideal to know the potential problems of a child in learning. In that way, a parent can address these immediately and lessen the learning gaps when the kid reaches kindergarten. Programs like pre-k and preschool, so they will be at ease in learning exploration and school setup.  

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Choosing full-day kindergarten classes can also mean shelling out more for resources to use. For parents, it may require raising their funds for education. If the tuition happens to be free, it is their government that shoulders the expense. Which, if needed, may prompt a tax increase.

To elaborate on the expenses for full-day kindergarten, it generally requires additional teachers or teacher aides. It also demands expanded or more spaces to accommodate full-day activities. Some governments find this problematic because it affects their funds for different educational programs and budgets for public schools (Rushowy, 2013, p.1). 

Pressure on the entire community

The financial aspect is not the only concern in full-day kindergarten. Some also question the readiness and capacity of the school communities to sustain this program. It is a must that each of its members—students, parents, and schools—is all set to accomplish the mission of having a full-day kindergarten. 

Another concern about this program is its lasting impact on the child. Some educators point out that full-day kindergarten may be beneficial for the present or phase of education. However, no concrete studies yet prove it is the key to long-term academic achievement. Moreover, it is questionable for some people if it has a positive effect on the overall development of young children. 

As full-day kindergarten has pros and cons, many suggest making it an option along with a half-day program. It is up to the parents to decide which is better for their kids. 

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Another practical point is kindergarten is mandatory for five-year-old kids, and it is the start of primary education in most states.

Kindergarten as early childhood education

If we check the history of early childhood education, kindergarten has rich and colorful stories. The first kindergarten ever recorded was created by German educator Friedrich Froebel in Blankenburg, Germany, in 1837. 

Based on several accounts, migrants from Germany brought the concept of kindergarten to the US. However, it only became mainstream when Elizabeth Palmer Peabody, an American educator, adopted and made it available for English-speaking students in 1860. 

Take note that kindergarten is not only a place for young children. Around the globe, various educators and early childhood advocates theorized that kindergarten is a vital stage. Some shared that five-year-old kids can do self-directed learning and express themselves in a hundred languages. A few popular approaches include Montesorri of Maria Montessori, Reggio Emilia of Loris Malaguzzi, and Waldorf of Rudolf Steiner. 

Although they are different approaches, the idea remains the same, kindergarten students can be creative, problem-solvers, and lifelong learners. And an education institution with well-trained teachers and high standard facilities is the best venue to nurture their abilities. Moreover, kindergarten schools are more encouraging than other places. These serve as a second teaching tool for kids. Also, institutions like Rainbow Preschool Child Care Center adhere to the Standards of Learning (SOL) of Virginia. It provides a healthy place for the school community. 

Kindergarten in Rainbow Preschool and Childcare Center

To know more about the benefits of a kindergarten school, better to get an example. Ideas about these can give pointers why a kindergarten is a must for children. Allow us to introduce the kindergarten program of Rainbow Preschool: 

Small-sized class. Our kindergarten class maintains a small class size, so there are more one-on-one interactions between the teacher and students. Some advantages of this approach are:

• close monitoring of the progress of every child
• ease to address academic or non-academic concerns
• The kids find comfort and build rapport inside the class 
• Learning is easy because of fewer distractions or noise

Complete with essential lessons. Aside from helping children to develop learning skills, our kindergarten program has fun activities. It includes outdoor play, group projects, and more. The students also learn relevant lessons such as:

• speaking Spanish, 
• appreciate music, 
• do sign language, 
• explore technology in the computer lab. 

Care inside and outside the class. Our care for children does not start and end in the classroom. Our entire facility serves as a caring kindergarten school for students. We offer nutritious snacks and meals. We have staff members with MAT- certification, and our teachers can do first aid and CPR.  

Indeed, there is more to discover in a kindergarten school that is beneficial to children. Contact Rainbow Preschool Child Care Center for any inquiries about our kindergarten program.  

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