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How to Get Your Child Ready for Preschool in Sleepy Hollow

preschool in Sleepy Hollow
How to Get Your Child Ready for Preschool in Sleepy Hollow

Each day is a new adventure for a young child in Sleepy Hollow. Soon enough parents will need to start thinking about what preschool they wish to send their child to. It is a big decision to make, but it does not need to be a difficult one. 

Starting preschool is the beginning of a new chapter in a child’s development. You may ask yourself, “Is my child ready to start preschool?” Even if your child has previously attended a toddler program, preschool in Sleepy Hollow is a big step. They will make new friends, gain independence as well as confidence and learn new skills along the way. Although this new undertaking will set your little one on a path to later success in school, it is not always easy. Both you and your child might have mixed emotions of excitement, worry and even sadness as infancy disappears. Emotionally preparing your child – and yourself as well – will take intentional effort. But with a little preparation, you can make it a smooth transition and a confidence-building experience for both you and your child.

Change is Inevitable: Preschool Adventure into the Horizon 

We live in an ever changing world and the pace of change has never been more rapid than it is today. It can be overwhelming at times, so many parents will shelter their children. If you are ready to enroll your child in preschool in Sleepy Hollow, you may be approaching this upcoming change with conflicting emotions. For your little one, preschool can cause excitement as well as anxiety since it is a new environment filled with unfamiliar faces of both teachers and kids. Meanwhile, parents might feel unsure about whether their child is ready to enter preschool.  

Enrolling your child in preschool in Sleepy Hollow has many benefits. School readiness is more than knowing the ABCs and 123s. A school-ready child is eager to learn, engaged and adjusted to the new environment. It is a place for them to interact with their peers and learn valuable life lessons. Children can also develop vital social skills and get better at following instructions, which will be useful in kindergarten and beyond. 

5 Simple Strategies to Prepare Your Kids for Preschool

Starting preschool is a big step for a child and parents can play a vital role in preparing them for this new experience. There are several small, simple things that you can do at home to prepare your child for preschool. Here are five strategies you can use to smooth the transition, not only for your child, but for the whole family as well.

Use pretend-play to get the idea of preschool

Reassure your child that preschool is a safe place where they can learn while having fun. You can take turns playing a parent, child or teacher and act out typical preschool routines, such as saying good-bye to mommy and daddy, playing outside, singing songs, reading stories and taking naps. Familiarizing your child with these routines can help them feel comfortable and in control when it comes to the real thing. 

Listen and acknowledge feelings

Preschool is an exciting yet heart-wrenching adventure and it is typical for both parents and children to feel anxious. To help your kids deal with the stress of change, let them express their feelings while you listen attentively and acknowledge their fears. Their worries — no matter how big or small — can spoil their preschool experience, which makes it important to talk them out so they do not build up. 

Check out the preschool

Find out if your child’s preschool has orientation for new families. It is the perfect chance to meet the teachers ahead of time and have some of your questions answered. Your child will also get the opportunity to meet their teachers, other classmates and experience the preschool with you for the first time.  

Use books to prepare

Spend time with your kids by reading books about preschool. You can choose from several books available in your public library and read with your child before preschool starts. Then talk about the story; it is an opportunity for your kids to ask questions and share any fears they may have. 

Keep your child informed

It is only natural for your child to feel nervous and anxious about going to preschool. Prepare your child by talking about the preschool and what would they may do there. Try to make the conversation as light and casual as possible, so the child does not feel overwhelmed or intimidated. 

Adapting to changes may take some time for both the child and the parents. Remember that becoming comfortable in a new environment is a process – not an instant transition. It is a big move for your family and worrying about the bumps ahead can spoil the joys of the preschool years for your child. Once your kids adjust to the new preschool setting, goodbyes will become much easier. Turn each “Good-bye, mommy” and “Bye-bye, daddy” into a happy experience with Discovery Village Center at Sleepy Hollow. Schedule a tour today by calling (914) 631- 1009.

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Why Preschool Matters for Children in Tarrytown, NY

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Why Preschool Matters for Children in Tarrytown, NY

Although some parents consider kindergarten as a stepping stone for their child’s education, the early years of their lives are critical in the long run. Many parents would agree that the first years of their child’s life seem to pass in the blink of an eye. Before they knew it, they are already thinking of enrolling their kids in preschool. However, choosing the right preschool for your child is not a simple task. Some parents tend to lose sleep over finding an environment where their children can learn and grow. With all the daycares and preschools to choose from in Tarrytown, NY, it can be downright overwhelming. 

A preschool is an exciting place for children to learn the ABCs and 123s, but there is much more that happens during these early years. As parents, the thought of sending your kid to preschool, into a new environment, is both nerve-wracking and heart-wrenching. However, it is in this warm and secure setting where children develop crucial skills, interact with others and learn through play time that nurtures innate curiosities. So how do the children from Tarrytown, NY, benefit from a high-quality preschool program? 

What is a High-Quality Preschool Program?

The young mind is wonderfully malleable. It can develop new habits with relative ease. For young learners, every experience and encounter is a unique learning opportunity. In a high-quality preschool children learn numbers, shapes and letters. It is the first time they become part of a structured learning environment and large group learning. These kids begin to develop a positive relationship with their peers and learn to respect authority.

While no preschool is the same, high-quality preschool programs have some things in common. They have warm and caring educators who get to know every child and family personally, as well as help kids interact with each other and make friends. In addition, teachers help preschoolers develop their thinking skills by asking open-ended questions and offering suggestions. They also provide new materials and plenty of time for children to explore new things and make sense of their world. 

5 Importance of Preschool for Your Child’s Development

Preschool matters for several reasons. Experts believe that attending a high-quality preschool program can help kids thrive in kindergarten and beyond. However, finding the best option for your child takes time and research. There is no doubt that early childhood education matters and here is why: 

It serves as a foundation for learning

In preschool, your child will learn to strengthen not only their academic minds, but also develop their social and emotional skills. They are in a secure and warm environment where they can explore, gain a sense of self and build self-confidence. For instance, your kids will learn how to get their teacher’s attention by raising their hands or how to spend their time away from their parents without getting anxious. 

It nurtures a child’s creativity and natural curiosity

Early childhood is the peak time to nurture a child’s imagination. Preschool teachers use children’s interests and ideas to create activities. Since preschoolers have an active imagination and learn through make-believe play, even simple events can be an exciting opportunity to learn.

It structures learning through play

Children need an opportunity to pretend, create and tell stories. If you are trying to get your child to pick up a few foundational skills before formal school starts, structured play is your kid-friendly solution. Similar to curiosity, play is a natural thing for young learner, especially in today’s society. Thus, using games and attention-grabbing activities is an effective way for kids to develop new skills and have fun. 

It builds social skills

When children start preschool, they are introduced to a new environment that allows them to develop social skills. Although they are more comfortable in their homes, a preschool setting can help them solve problems, listen and learn how to take turns. While these skills are not the natural strength of a preschooler, these skills can be grown and developed in preschool.

It helps in developing motor skills

Enrolling your child in preschool can help them develop motor skills and improve their physical coordination. High-quality preschool programs provide opportunities for kids to establish excellent motor skills. It may include building a tower of ten blocks, completing puzzles, cutting out simple shapes or even clapping their hands. 

You cannot deny and overlook the long-term benefits of enrolling your children in a preschool. Allowing them to thrive in these communities can propel them to fun-filled and positive experiences later in life. At Discovery Village, we can help your young scholar shape their academic, social and emotional success. Each day with us gives you peace of mind and your child the opportunity to embrace new experiences and learn new skills. Call us at (914) 631-1009 and get your preschooler enrolled today!