In contrast to popular belief, young children can learn at the tender age of three years old. It is the time when their inquisitive minds lead them to get a sense of their surroundings. Therefore, it helps to have adults who are there to nurture and guide them can be truly rewarding. In this sense, allowing them to join preschool is beneficial to sustain their learning needs. Conversely, schooling too early can also have negative impacts on them. For instance, can a kid start Pre-K at 3-years-old?
Three-year-old toddlers at Pre-Kindergarten class?
Since its stage place ahead of taking kindergarten, Pre-K is still considered as part of preschool. However, it does not mean anyone of any age can enter this class. Checking several state laws, kindergarten pupils should be five-year-old. Thus, children in a Pre-K program should be younger than five years old. It is also similar to various state-fund and projects such as NC Pre-K and Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI). Both require that a child should be four years old before a school year to be eligible. So, a child starting Pre-K at three years old is nonstandard, if not feasible. The typical approach, in this case, is to enroll children in a lower preschool class appropriate to their age.
Minus the idea of standards, caring about the readiness of a three-year-old child is also a crucial factor in Pre-K. Remember that it is the last phase of preschool education. The class activities are a bit structural as they learn skills such as problem-solving and communication. Also, one ultimate mission here is to prepare pupils for higher levels of education starting from kindergarten.
Children not ready for this type of setup may feel awkward or lagging behind the class. They may need to double the time to catch up or face difficulties learning the new and old lessons they missed simultaneously. It is a critical issue that may affect their daily attendance in the class. Additionally, it influences the way they appreciate education overall.
Preparing young kids for Pre-K
In a real sense, the education of young children is a collaborative effort of their carers. It means it is not only the job of their preschool and teachers or parents to help them but everyone in their school community. Three-year-old children or not, it is helpful to encourage young ones to be ready for learning and socializing with others.
For one thing, children who cannot stand being away from their parents find it hard to stay at school. They should be exposed first to playing with their relatives or neighbors. In that way, they at least get a taste of fun learning. They will be accustomed to being surrounded by people.
It is also helpful if the soon-to-be Pre-K pupils are toilet-trained, accustomed to routine schedules, and following instructions. The first one is important to their hygiene and comfort. The last two are helpful because they will communicate with their teachers. It works both ways for them while experiencing fun learning with care and respect.
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