When choosing a preschool for your child, you should focus on the curriculum. Many parents focus on amenities and fees and pay no mind to the facility's curriculum. Remember, the preschool curriculum affects your child's mental, physical, and emotional development. Here are the core features of a good preschool curriculum.

Covers the Five Learning Domains

The ideal preschool program provides activities, opportunities, and experiences across the five main learning domains. This curriculum addresses the diverse developmental needs of your child.

First, the curriculum should help your child develop approaches to learning. It should promote independence and self-management. Furthermore, the program should help your child identify their learning preferences. For example, playing games that initiate impulse control or routines like tidying can be good for your child.

Moreover, the curriculum should promote social and emotional development through positive connections among students and teachers. This could be through activities like sports and group projects.

Additionally, a good curriculum should promote language and literacy through activities that help children express themselves and form writing skills. This could be through activities like naming words that begin with a specific letter.

Also, a preschool program should promote a child's cognition and motor and physical development. Children can develop reasoning and problem-solving skills by participating in activities like counting and experimenting. Activities for motor and physical development include sports and sensory exploration games like sand play.

Evidence-Based Curriculum

When choosing a preschool, ensure it has an evidence-based curriculum. They should utilize early learning frameworks that focus on developing desired skills from infancy through kindergarten.

Many states have an infant and preschool framework. Therefore, ensure the preschool facility aligns with a recognized curriculum. The program should reflect child development research and caregiver best practices. Take time to research how the lessons and materials of the center's curriculum were developed and if they align with evidence-based practices.

Flexible Curriculum

A flexible curriculum is one where parents, teachers, and students can contribute their knowledge and experience to the educational journey. Since preschool can have full-time, half-day, or quarter-day programs, the curriculum should be flexible enough to fit your child's needs. A flexible curriculum also caters to the different learning needs of children. For example, children with mental or physical disabilities should be accounted for. 

To Wind Up

Few parents take the time to consider a preschool's curriculum before enrolling their child. Many are concerned about general features like cleanliness, the competency of caregivers, and the fees charged. Make sure you choose a preschool with a curriculum that promotes your child's healthy growth and development.

For more information, contact a local company, like Royal Academy.