Pros and Cons of Preschool
Advantages and Disadvantages of Early Childhood Programs
This article highlights some of the advantages and disadvantages associated with placing children in early childhood programs during their preschool years.
Some parents believe that preschool is a valuable opportunity to enrich the lives of children and prepare them for formal educations, while others think that shuffling kids off to early childhood programs is unnecessary and inappropriate.
Obviously, parents’ views will always differ about the appropriateness of learning programs prior to kindergarten. But after weighing the pros and cons of preschools, parents can decide which option is best suited for their family.
Advantages of Preschool
Preschool gives children the opportunity to engage in a wide spectrum of age-appropriate learning experiences that they may not get at home such as music and movement, arts and crafts, dramatic play, sensory play, storytelling, and possibly a second language.
Children in early childhood programs tend to be more prepared emotionally for kindergarten, as they have already grown accustomed to a certain level of structure as well as being away from home for extended periods of time.
“Children in preschool also have the opportunity to socialize with other kids their age, an appealing advantage for parents who used a nanny or relative care when their children were younger,” says an article by Parentcenter titled, “Preschool: Advantages and Disadvantages.”
For parents who work, preschool programs give them piece-of-mind by providing a safe, reliable environment where children can spend their days learning and growing.
Disadvantages of Preschool
The cost of a quality preschool program for children can put a hole in parents' bank accounts -- which is why some opt to leave their jobs to stay at home with their children.
Early childhood programs don’t give kids the one-on-one attention that some may require to thrive, as they are designed to meet the needs of children as a group -- and not as individuals.
Children in preschools are exposed to illnesses on a regular basis. They play with sick children, sit next to them in class, and share toys with them. As a result, they tend to become ill more often than kids who stay at home or are cared for by friends and relatives.
Kids spend anywhere from six to eight hours each day in preschool programs. When they get home there is only enough time to eat dinner, take a bath, and go to bed. This causes parents to miss out on spending large amounts of quality time with their children.
While the advantages and disadvantages of early childhood programs are clear, it's ultimately up to the parents to decide whether or not to send their children to preschool.
References:
Parentcenter.com. Preschool: Advantages and Disadvantages. Accessed 5-1-08
