WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016
CHESTER COUNTY PRESS
3C
Classifieds
EDUCATION GUIDE Higher expectations for the nation’s preschools
Hockessin Montessori
The benefits of high-quality preschool programs are becoming evident in light of recent studies. Some may believe that preschool is not necessary or too expensive. Some believe that the only benefit of preschool programs is childcare. However, researchers have reported that this is not the case. The benefits of highquality preschool programs are becoming more apparent as evidenced in developing neuroscience and education research. We are discovering that these early years of education form a vital period of cognitive development for young learners and lay the foundation for more advanced skills. In fact, a child’s language skills from age one to two can be used to project their pre-literacy skills at age five (A Matter of Equity: Preschool in America, 2015). Researchers have found that providing your child with a high-quality preschool education leads to better physical and socio-emotional health as well as increased cognitive performance as compared with children who do not attend a high-quality preschool program. Children who attend high-quality preschool programs earn more as adults, are more likely to graduate from high school, attend college and be successful professionals than those who have not attended such programs (A
Matter of Equity: Preschool in America, 2015). The long-term benefits of high-quality preschool programs has proven to be so significantly high that President Barack Obama has pushed for policy reform regarding preschool education of our nation’s children. The President has set a goal to enroll six million of our nation’s children in preschool by the year 2020 (Remarks by the President on the Economy: Northwestern University, 2014). He supports that attending a high-quality preschool program is clearly influential on the future health and success of children as adults that doing so will benefit our nation as a whole. When searching for a highquality preschool program for your child what should you look for? There are so many options in our region it can be overwhelming. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has established ten criteria for distinguishing quality preschool programs. Some key characteristics to consider when in search of a highquality preschool program include: 1) Relationships: Teachers make children and parents feel warm and welcome. Teachers assist children in communicating with other children in a positive manner.
2) Curriculum: The program provides instruction in a curriculum that supports social, emotional, language, physical and cognitive development. 3) Teaching: Teachers provide children with learning experiences tailored to individual needs based on developmental and cultural background as well as interests and learning style. 4) Assessment of Child Progress: Instructional decisions are based on ongoing assessment that informs teacher-planning allowing for individualized instruction. 5) Health: Teachers are trained in pediatric first aid and implement policies and procedures for maintaining good hygiene. 6) Teachers: Teaching staff has the qualifications and knowledge necessary to provide children with the necessary learning experiences to promote ongoing development. 7) Families: Relationships between teachers and parents are fostered in order to create a collaborative team for nurturing each child’s development. 8) Community Relationship: The program maintains relationships with organizations in the community that support the program in reaching its goals and connecting families with resources for their child’s health and education.
9) Physical Environment: The indoor and outdoor facility is safe and wellmaintained. It is organized and well-equipped for the needs of the adults and children in the learning environment. 10) Leadership and Management: Leaders of the program implement policies and procedures to provide the children, families and teachers with high-quality experiences. One philosophy of education that includes all of these components is the Montessori philosophy. Montessori schools often provide a preschool option, referred to as “Children’s House,” that provides children with a high-quality educational experience. This style of learning environment has been around for over a hundred years and has been proven time and again to be successful in not only effectively preparing children for elementary school, but doing so in a happy, nurturing environment.
Montessori schools that have been accredited by The American Montessori Society, such as The Hockessin Montessori School, have been approved as the result of a rigorous self-study, an objective evaluation, an action plan, accreditation and finally, continuous evaluation all approved by the AMS Accrediting Commission. To achieve accreditation from AMS, The Hockessin Montessori School demonstrates excellence in Standard 1: Mission and Vision, Standard 2: Governance, Leadership and Continuous Improvement, Standard 3: Teaching and Learning, Standard 4: Documenting and Using Results, Standard 5: Personnel, Standard 6: Facility Resources, Standard 7: Finances, Standard 8: Records, Resources, and Support Systems, and Standard 9: Stakeholder Communication and Relationships. The requirements for earning
accreditation from AMS are more comprehensive and rigorous than the standards required by NAEYC. The preschool programs offered by AMS accredited Montessori schools provide children with the high-quality learning experience President Barack Obama is calling for. When choosing a highquality preschool program for your child, consider a Montessori school. You are sure to be impressed by the warm, nurturing environment, rich curriculum and love of learning among the children. To learn more: http://www.thehms.org http://amshq.org/ School-Resources/ AMS-School-Accreditation http://families.naeyc. org/accredited-article/10naeyc-program-standards A Matter of Equity: Preschool in America. (2015, April). Remarks by the President on the Economy: Northwestern University. (October 2nd, 2014)
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Five Golden Rules for Kids Using Tech Devices (StatePoint) The next generation of smartphone users is getting a head start on device destruction. Children are breaking more smartphones, tablets and laptops than ever before, say experts. Their tech-forward parents have so far shelled out more than $11 billion to repair or replace such devices, according to a recent report from SquareTrade, a protection plan for mobile devices and other consumer electronics. “Teaching tech etiquette alongside the ABCs and 123s is a smart idea for sanity at home. And for the 89 percent of households whose kids have damaged devices, it makes great financial sense,” says Jessica Hoffman, vice president of global communications for SquareTrade. “Kids as young as toddlers are getting significant doses of screen time and, as a result, accident rates are climbing.” The report also found that 70 percent of elementary school kids own tablets
and a whopping 55 percent of accidents happen from children accidentally dropping their devices. Not surprisingly, 20 percent of kids blame someone or something else for the mishap. “Kids and technology are as popular a pairing these days as peanut butter and jelly,” says Hoffman. “As smartphones, tablets and laptops replace dolls and toy cars as children’s most prized possessions, we recommend that parents do their homework on how best to deal with at-home tech habits, or risk having their child on the device dishonor roll.” SquareTrade suggests the following five golden rules to keep in mind before letting kids use electronic devices: • Don’t pack devices into overstuffed, heavy backpacks without proper protective gear. Tablets cannot handle the wear and tear that a book can absorb. • On rainy days or when you will be around water, use a zip lock bag for your
smartphone or tablet. • No eating or drinking while using devices. Sticky liquids are the most dangerous. • Limit screen time in the car. Siblings fighting can lead to devices flying out of windows. • No matter what precautions you take, accidents can still happen. Invest in a protection plan that covers the clumsy drops, juice spills and backpack crushes of daily life. Repairing a broken device can often cost as much as buying a new one. A good protection plan can cost just a few dollars a month and can buy priceless peace of mind for parents worried about everyday accidents and other “uh-ohs.” So even if your child breaks a device, there’s no need to stress: you’re covered. For information on protection plans, visit www.squaretrade.com. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Tweak habits at home, school and on-thego to prevent technology breakage.