Preschool can be an exciting new environment for young children. It can also serve as the starting point of their journey of learning and development. But do you wonder what your child will learn in preschool? 

Preschooling is fun learning

Preschool may not be mandatory, but it is a great avenue to prepare for primary education. After this program and pre-K, it is most likely that your kid is already familiar with the setup of schooling and ready for kindergarten—the compulsory education across the US. Do you know what activities or lessons pupils experience in preschool? How significant it is for their learning journey. 

First and foremost, a preschool program establishes a sense of readiness in an enjoyable way for kids. Schools like Rainbow Preschool and Child Care Center make it a point that the activities are age-appropriate and meaningful for their development. Moreover, preschool can help parents determine the potential and needs of their children. These are significant, so they know where their young ones excel and need assistance.

Lessons in a preschool

In general practice, preschool curriculums are not standardized and uniform, unlike kindergarten. In that sense, you may notice that though there are commonalities, preschool programs also vary depending on an institution’s focus. It is essential then to check the contents of a program. Ideally, your kid will learn the following:

The structural school setup – the play-based type of learning is typical and effective in early childhood education. However, it is also vital that kids adopt the skills and discipline between playtime—for example, following rules and class schedules. These two are significant but straightforward matters as they step up to higher levels every year.

The fundamental subjects – People expect that older students can read, write, solve math or scientific problems, be knowledgeable about historical facts., etc. However, we cannot expect them to get these things in a snap. They must start from scratch or learn the basics. And

preschool is a perfect way to lay the foundation for these subjects. For example, teaching kids how to count numbers, recognize letters and words, and distinguish colors. 

Importance of social and people skills – In their school life and even beyond, young kids will be with different people. It is reasonable to encourage them to be open and enjoy social interaction. And this also benefits them to adopt more skills like communication, problem-solving, teamwork, etc. Social interaction also makes them more physically active and understanding of others. 

The love for learning. Another vital matter in early childhood education is establishing the passion for learning. As preschool welcomes young kids to school life and community, it is also an ideal moment to instill the love of learning in them. It is not easy and involves a lot of work, but it has long-lasting value they can carry until they become adults. 

In Rainbow Preschool, we incorporate meaningful lessons to teach kids to be responsible and confident learners. They will know the various values from activities like simple table manners, joining small or big group projects, etc.

There are many more exciting things, lessons, and activities you need to know about preschool. Rainbow Preschool and Child Center can offer you information and meaningful programs packed with outstanding features. Call or visit us; we are glad to assist you and your kid.

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Age doesn’t matter, especially in learning. But if it’s about schooling and involves a young child, it is logical if parents like to determine at what age they will register their kids in preschool. In that manner, the young ones are ready for the new experience. But what age does preschool is for? 

The age concerning education practices

The standard order of the stages in early childhood education is nursery, preschool, pre-k, and kindergarten. And among these, kindergarten is compulsory and has a clear age requirement. Across the US, kindergarten is open to eligible five-year-old kids. The mandated age differs from state to state, ranging from five to seven years old, except in Washington. 

Another matter is the cut-off enrollment period. Typically, the enrollment in numerous states is between July and September. In that sense, some kids lack months before they become eligible to enroll in kindergarten. The typical choice is to delay one year and register kids to other programs like pre-k and preschool, whichever is appropriate for their age.

In Virginia, for example, children should be five to six years old in kindergarten. In that case, the four to five-year-old kids should be in pre-k, while the three to four-year-olds should be in preschool.

The age concerning schools’ requirements

As a state’s standards do not entirely mandate preschool programs, the age requirements are up to schools and local education authorities. Typically, they do not settle on age alone but according to their regulations. An excellent example of such is the admission of potty-trained children. Not all schools are keen to offer help with this for some reason. Probably, they believe a child will choose to endure the discomfort out of shyness than ask a teacher. 

Some schools also evaluate if a child is comfortable being away or independent from their parents. It is ideal if one can enjoy classroom activities and lessons. 

The age concerning a child’s readiness to attend school

 The education practices in one’s state and school’s requirements could be good guides. Parents will know the expectations upon enrolling their preschoolers. They also get to know which preschool programs offer their child great benefits. Despite these, they must look thoroughly at their children’s readiness to attend school. It is a fundamental factor in their kids’ age to enter preschool.

Kids differ in all aspects, including reacting and being ready for a situation. Naturally, many young ones feel frightened when they separate from their parents for the first time. However, as the school days pass, they are also expected to warm up and be independent. It is also ideal they will socialize and communicate with their schoolmates. Therefore, it is good to observe what they like and need before enrollment closely. Suppose the parents find out that their kids are not quite ready, better to delay the admission to a year. The delay will give kids an advantage and opportunity to prepare, especially in social interaction.

Another way to know more about how ready and how a school can help your child is to contact an institution near you. You can reach out to Rainbow Preschool and Child Center through email or phone if you are around the Virginia Beach area.

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As early childhood education is essential, it is no surprise that institutions and agencies offer various access points, so kids do not skip this. Two popular options are preschool and Head Start, which often assume the same things. 

The similarities and differences

Both education programs cater to young children as they progress to further learning developments before kindergarten. Generally, preschool and a stage in the Head Start framework are open to three-year-old kids. Other than these, both programs have distinct qualities:

Main target or objective. Private education institutions run most preschool programs, and so, many of these charge tuition payments that can be high or cost-efficient depending on their quality. In that sense, it is typical that parents pay the fees. But there are also private and public support programs that make preschool less expensive or no charge at all. Moreover, some proposals aim to support financing education for three-year-old kids. It is aside from universal preschool, which targets pre-k or four-year-old kids.

Head Start is a state-run program that targets kids from zero to age five from low-income families. Part of this program is also to free the education of three to five-year-old kids. Therefore, to be eligible for Head Start, a kid’s family earnings should be equal to or below the poverty line. Children from families not far from low-income can still try to be part of the program. However, its services are limited to a number or percentage of people. For example, the total participating kids above the poverty line should only take the ten percent of the class enrollees.

Standards. You can expect that the Head Start programs adhere to the standards set by the government. In that manner, there is uniformity in school rules, curriculum, and teaching approaches in this program across the US. Kids get the equal quality education that authority aims to achieve.

Preschool is not compulsory like kindergarten, so its standards are according to the private educational institutions and experts. Hence, the parents need to be particular about which school they will entrust their children with preschool education. The advantage of their students enrolling in quality ones is they are exposed to teaching and learning approaches that exceed the usual standards. Also, most preschool programs combine play-based learning with other styles to support the holistic growth of kids. 

The choice between preschool and Head Start

Both Head Start and preschool offer benefits for students. The former concentrates on assisting underprivileged kids so that they can afford education. Moreover, Head Start also supports children’s health, social, and nutritional sides through various projects. 

Several studies have proven that Head Start improves cognitive skills, behavior, and some traits of children. However, some reports also show that this program could not be enough to offer a long-lasting impact.  

On the other hand, the benefits of preschool can be for everyone else. It also offers a level up in the learning aspect since it is its prime focus. The kids are encouraged to explore lessons and activities that they can take advantage of to nurture their learning abilities and be advanced in their schooling.

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Predominantly, people assume preschool is about fun activities that develop skills and impart lessons to young kids. While these are factual, there are more things to know about why preschool matters.

Preschool lays a solid foundation. In preschool, kids learn basic lessons and skills they can use to get started in their pre-k and kindergarten. As the latter is formal education, there are expectations of what kids know and can do. It includes following teaching instructions and class rules. 

If children take no pre-primary programs such as preschool, they may not get enough support to develop the necessary skills they need. In that case, they may struggle with kindergarten structure or any higher-education level. It may repeat and go on and on at different levels of their student life. 

Preschool nurtures character building and skills development. Enrolling in a quality preschool program is not only about strengthening toddlers’ mental and physical well-being. It is also a chance to foster various traits like discipline, camaraderie, cooperation, good manners, and more. 

While it is also possible to learn good traits somewhere else, preschool can nurture these. Moreover, developing a character takes time and constant support from other people. In preschool, young children have child care professionals to guide them and fellow pupils to be their teammates. 

Moreover, preschool is also an excellent venue to teach various skills to children. These are not only purely for academic excellence but their holistic growth. Same with character building, young students cannot improve their abilities overnight. They need exercises, experiences, guides, and evaluations to underpin this objective. The advantage of preschool is that it offers various ways to unleash and enhance children’s abilities. 

They have more chances to develop socio-emotional skills because they do more activities with their classmates. The experiences will teach them communication, problem-solving, creative thinking, and collaboration. They can socialize with as many kids and caring adults compared to staying at home. Moreover, walking through them to their development is excellent, so these do not turn into problems. For example, it is good if curious kids can ask questions and explore learning. If they feel neglected or get no answers often, they may become shy or fearful of opening up. 

Preschool seeds love for lifelong learning. Most preschool kids are first-time students; understandably, everything is new and unknown. With that, their experience must be memorable and enjoyable, so they have a good impression or idea of how meaningful it is being schoolers and learners. From there, they will be open to taking instructions and challenges. Kids become accustomed to learning different interests in arts, science, math, technology, and more. 

It is pretty different when schooling becomes a mere obligation on their part. Kids will study only when needed for grades and school time. Thus, it affects their performance and view in learning overall. Although there are several factors why this happens, mostly it is because of experience in their early days in learning. Thus, there is early intervention in their learning journey, so they develop a positive mindset in their education. Indeed, given the quality of a program and the right approach of the early childhood educator, a preschool program have many benefits and can teach a love for lifelong learning.

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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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In life, there are expenditures you need to deal with because they are worth more than investment, including your child’s education. But do you wonder if preschool fees are at least tax-deductible? 

Paying preschool fees and tax

No doubt, early childhood education is vital for kids. Preschool, for instance, empowers young students to explore learning styles and adopt skills through fun-filled learning activities and sessions. Parents also find reliable child care support when entrusting their kids to an institution like Rainbow Preschool and Child Care Center.

According to several studies, enrolling a child at a quality preschool offers a long-lasting impact. These include academic advancement, improvement in behavior, and developing a fondness for lifelong learning. The thing is, in reality, most quality education requires fees. And it is practical for any parents to look for ways to find ease in paying tuition fees. 

The good news is that the federal tax authority or IRS recognizes the importance of child care. It also honors parents or guardians who need to work to support their dependents through giving credits when they opt to pay for child care assistance. The aid includes short-term day camps and full-year preschool programs as laws acknowledge it as part of childcare.

Tax deduction or credit?

Preschool fees are generally not tax-deductible from a parent’s taxes. The good news is this can apply as a child and dependent care credit. Either of the two lessens your tax bill, but one is more advantageous than the others.

If you are not aware, a tax credit can significantly reduce your tax since it directly applies to your total bill. For example, you can claim a tax credit worth $738. It is the exact amount you can diminish from your total tax bill. However, if $738 is a tax deduction, that can lower your taxable income. In that sense, tax deduction can only make a difference depending on your income or other factors. Given the examples, a tax credit is beneficial as it offers a dollar for dollar deduction to your tax bill.

Child and Dependent Care Credit

The child and dependent care credit are $1,050 for one kid, while it’s $2,100 for two or more young ones. This amount is helpful enough to lessen total preschool or child care costs in a year. 

To qualify for the tax credit, you, as claimer or payer, must: 

• Prove your young student is your qualified dependent. IRS also requires that a child lives with the taxpayer for at least six months within the taxable year. 
• Your child is 13 years old or below within the tax year.
• You are a breadwinner of the household, single, married filing jointly, or widow or widower with an eligible dependent(s). 
• Confirm you need help to support your child so that you can search for a job or continue working. Additionally, the IRS will check if the claimer paid tuition fees to an individual or school where the dependent study.

To learn more about possible preschool expenses, talk to us at Rainbow Preschool.

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It would be best if you were confident that you are putting your child in a daycare center that you can trust, where they will be able to grow and have fun, but you also need to evaluate the organization’s license, its educational programs, and its general standing in the community. There are numerous questions that may emerge, and parents should be well-informed about the schedule and content of the program that they finally choose. Please continue reading so that when the time comes for parents to make this critical decision, they will be armed with all of the information they require to ensure that their decision is sound and appropriate.

What Is the Function of a Preschool?

A preschool, also known as a pre-primary school or a playschool, is a learning environment that provides early childhood education to children before they enter elementary school.

Children who have passed the toddler stage (ages 2, 12, to 5 years) are considered eligible for preschool. It is centered on the growth of the child and serves as a basis for subsequent school years to follow.

What Exactly Is A Daycare?

A daycare center, often known as a creche, is a facility that provides childcare services. Daycare facilities primarily serve working parents and are concerned with taking care of the child, feeding them, putting them to sleep, and forcing them to play for a period of time.

Younger children (from infancy to ten years old) who must spend five to eight hours away from home are most commonly served by daycare centers, but older children may also attend after-school programs.

Similarities between preschool and daycare include the following:

• Several preschools offer after-school care, allowing the children to continue their education after school has ended.

• To operate a daycare or preschool, you must have the proper licensing and accreditation.

• In both instances, the safety of the children is of paramount importance.

• They must have qualified and well-trained personnel to educate and train the students. The fee structure is nearly identical to that of the previous year.

What to look for when deciding between daycare and preschool

Are you still confused? Because generic principles will only get you so far, it’s time to seek a little closer to home for help. Concentrate on the specific centers in your immediate vicinity. The ideal program is the one that is most suitable for you, your child, your schedule, and your financial situation — and depending on your location, daycare or preschool may both be excellent possibilities.

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Despite the fact that many people use the names interchangeably, there are various aspects that distinguish between the two terms. We’ll break down the two options and provide an in-depth look at what they have in common as well as what distinguishes them from one another to assist you in deciding which is the best option for your children and your family’s needs.

Preschool vs. Daycare: What Is the Difference?

The primary distinction between the two is their objective and purpose. Preschool’s primary purpose is to guarantee that young children, typically between the ages of 30 months and five years, are nurtured in their development. This means that developing cognitive abilities, fine and gross motor skills, and social skills, as well as ensuring that young children are prepared for kindergarten, are a focus. Often, parents and caregivers will enroll their children in preschool to help them prepare for kindergarten and to provide them with an opportunity to learn and socialize in a safe setting, even if they do not require child care particularly.

While their parents or primary caregivers are at work, daycare centers provide a safe environment for newborns and children to stay. Infants as early as six or twelve weeks old and children up to the age of twelve are cared for, often full-time or after school. Rather than education and growth, the emphasis is on comprehensive care. While educational activities may be scheduled, parents and caregivers often do not bring their children to daycare unless they require a certain type of child care, rather than an educational option.

Preschool Educators and Daycare Personnel

Both preschools and daycare centers in North Carolina are licensed by the state’s Division of Child Development and Early Education and must adhere to particular criteria, including caregiver-to-student ratios, safety protocols, and other rules, in addition to having certified staff in place.

Preschool instructors, on the other hand, typically hold bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education or a North Carolina Birth-to-Kindergarten/Preschool Add-on License. Additionally, in North Carolina, preschool lead teachers must be licensed via the Early Educator Support, Licensure, and Professional Development Unit.

Join the Best Private School In Virginia Beach

When it comes to giving the best education to preschoolers in Virginia Beach, nothing else comes to mind other than Rainbow Preschool and Child Care Center.

Contact us today at (757) 460-2150 to know more.

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Know the importance of preschooling. Preschool may not be the primary level, yet it is still vital. It opens up the idea of schooling without being forceful. Here, kids experience fun-filled classroom activities with meaningful lessons, where they can also adopt learning skills and discover their abilities. 

If you first understand the benefits of preschooling, you will have sound reasons to choose the right preschool for your child.

Know your child’s capabilities and limitations. Before parents introduce a school community to their students, is it not imperative to first know what their young ones need from preschool? 

For example, if a child is not potty-trained, it is good to find a school that accepts and can help with this. If a pupil is outgoing, how does the school offer healthy socialization? Remember that the satisfying learning experience encourages a child to engage. But before you achieve this, you need to determine the factors that build an enjoyable learning experience in your student. 

Know well your partner in education—the preschool teachers. The primary people who will take care of and lead students in school are their teachers. They facilitate understanding and instill life skills that kids can use for the rest of their lives. On top of these, preschool teachers also seed a memorable learning experience for first-timer students.

In this manner, it is of utmost importance to get to know the teachers in a preschool. Check how they establish relationships or build rapport with their pupils. Compared to learners in higher levels, young kids are also convinced to listen and follow adults they feel comfortable and secure. 

Know how they address the needs and misbehavior of young students. It takes genuine care, deep understanding, and expertise to determine their needs. These are equally valuable to resolve a child’s conduct and manner.

In this aspect, it is also excellent to discern how a school selects its preschool teachers. How it manages treats their career and personal development, which significantly affect their profession. At Rainbow Preschool and Child Care Center, employees undergo training programs that benefit their progress. 

Know what learning experiences the preschool program offers. Check the scopes of the school’s program(s). Its curriculum must align with what you are looking for to help your kids get a better and quality learning experience. Generally, the preschool or its other programs offer fun-filled activities and meaningful lessons to help nurture your child’s abilities.

Take note also that not all preschools have the same approaches and philosophies. 

Know the other school employees. Besides teachers, kids also spend most of the time with other school staff members. It is also excellent to find out how they are in the school environment. Do they also accommodate, enjoying the company of children? What are their roles and their capabilities? 

For example, child care professionals in Rainbow Preschool are certified to perform CPR and first aid, and it has MAT-certified staff members. 

Other essential factors to consider in choosing the right preschool for your child are the school’s facilities, environment, and culture. 

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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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