Preparing for Preschool: Is Your Child Ready for Preschool?

Do you remember your first days in school? You sang, danced, painted, and played with clay. Or maybe you cried and clung to Mom. So, as you look at your child, you can’t help but wonder, is he ready for preschool? Below are some indicators on whether your child is ready for preschool. It’s not too early to start preparing your child for preschool.

School readiness refers to the characteristics or skills a child must have in order to succeed in a school setting, says Joselyn Eusebio, M.D., developmental pediatrician at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City. School readiness depends on your child’s age and the type of school you want to enroll him in.

A Preview to Kindergarten Readiness

For a preschooler to enter kindergarten, Dr. Eusebio says he must be age 5 to 6, and should be able to recognize letters, numbers, and colors. He must also know self-help skills such as eating, dressing up, or going to the potty with minimal supervision.

It’s All About Socio-Emotional Development Rather than Academics

It is also important that a preschooler can verbalize his wants and his needs, says Rachel Ricafrente-Abella, preschool teacher at Rafoux Playschool in Pasig City. While knowing academic basics is an advantage, it is not a requirement for toddlers age 3 to 4. “The assumption is that you’re enrolling your child to learn the basics. Our concern is more on the socio-emotional development of the child,” she says. When the child is ready in that aspect, learning letters and numbers would be easier for him.

Read more about Preschool Readiness Skills

Read more about Separation Anxiety and Choosing the Right Preschool

Sources:

• Joselyn Eusebio, M.D., developmental pediatrician, St. Luke’s Medical Center, Quezon City
• Rachel Ricafrente-Abella, M.A., Family Life and Child Development, University of the Philippines, Quezon City; preschool teacher, Rafoux Playschool, Pasig City

Photo from sxc.hu