{"id":6542,"date":"2020-02-03T14:38:49","date_gmt":"2020-02-03T19:38:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=6542"},"modified":"2024-12-16T11:02:30","modified_gmt":"2024-12-16T16:02:30","slug":"best-type-of-preschools","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/best-type-of-preschools\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the Best Type of Preschool for Your Little One?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The start of your child\u2019s education can feel like a monumental decision. For many families, preschool is the first educational experience the child will have away from the home. This is the start of the child\u2019s educational career. So, should you choose a public school, a Montessori school, a Reggio Emilia preschool<\/a>, or another type of institution?<\/p>\n

You may worry about your child\u2019s adjustment to whatever school you choose. You may worry about how the teachers will care for him and guide him through the school day. These are just a couple of reasons parents will question the type of school they send their little one \u2013 and research the best possible one.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, it all comes down to what you feel is the best fit for your child<\/em>. You must consider your child\u2019s needs, learning style, interests, and social adaptability. We can help guide your decision by highlighting some popular early educational approaches<\/a> today, as well as what to consider when thinking about the best preschools for your family.<\/p>\n

Reggio Emilia Approach<\/strong><\/p>\n

Named after its birthplace in Italy, Reggio Emilia<\/a> is a teaching philosophy that focuses on young children between the ages of three and six years old. Loris Malaguzzi founded this learning method after World War II, with the belief that children are competent, confident, and curious creatures who can thrive in a self-guided learning environment. In a Reggio Emilia preschool classroom, mutual respect between the children and the teacher is paramount.<\/p>\n

The Reggio Emilia method believes that the child is the center of his or her own learning universe. Children are encouraged to pursue their interests and passion areas. They are encouraged to explore their curiosities through play. They use colorful and creative materials to do so \u2013 art utensils, natural materials like clay and sand, musical instruments, costumes, and books are constantly in-reach in a Reggio classroom. Parents, teachers, and the community are all important collaborators throughout the child\u2019s journey through learning.<\/p>\n

Montessori Method<\/strong><\/p>\n

Much like the Reggio Emilia style of education, Montessori was also founded in Italy. Physician and Educator Dr. Maria Montessori opened a school in Rome back in 1907. The main principle of the school was that children can naturally absorb knowledge from their surroundings and self-direct their education through exploration.<\/p>\n

Montessori classrooms are structured around the child. Bookshelves and tables are all at the child\u2019s level, so it is easy for her to access whatever she needs to learn. Like Reggio Emilia, the design of the classroom promotes an organic and supportive environment within which the child feels most comfortable to explore. The teachers set up specific spaces to inspire hands-on exploration and development with plenty of light and natural elements.<\/p>\n

Age integration is another big part of the Montessori approach. Children ages 3, 4, and 5 are all in one classroom together, and students often have the same teacher for three years. As a point of comparison<\/a>, Reggio Emilia classrooms are structured more like traditional schools, and teachers have students for one academic year.<\/p>\n

Waldorf Education<\/strong><\/p>\n

Waldorf education, also known as Steiner education, is based on the philosophy of Rudolph Steiner, founder of Anthroposophy. This method of teaching centers on the student\u2019s artistic, intellectual, and practical skills in an integrated and holistic manner. The cultivation of the imagination and creativity is the main focus of this educational approach. The first Waldorf school opened up in Germany in 1919.<\/p>\n

Top Qualities of the Best Preschools<\/h2>\n

While it often comes down to preference, advocates for a hands-on, encouraging preschool environment will agree that Reggio Emilia is the best type of preschool for the following benefits. Reggio Emilia preschools tend to:<\/p>\n