Preschool (or prekindergarten) is a broad term used to describe curriculum-based early childhood education. Research shows that quality preschool education produces gains in a child’s learning and development, particularly for economically disadvantaged children. But in the U.S., the amount and type of preschool children attend varies widely — some kids attend one year of partial-day preschool before entering kindergarten; others are in full-day, school-like settings beginning at age 2; some children don’t attend preschool at all.
On top of the choice of whether or not to attend preschool, at what age and for how long, parents also have different educational philosophies to consider — like Montessori, play-based programs, and Waldorf. For parents, the process of determining what is best for your toddler when it comes to early childhood education can be daunting. To get you started, Laura Gradman, a licensed professional counselor, education consultant, and owner of the Chicago Preschool Pro, has provided tips to help you navigate these choices.
