THE POWER OF
EARLY-EDUCATION ENRICHMENT Why preschool enrichment classes are important, and how to find a quality program.
WORDS BY NICOLE SIPE
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ow more than ever, there are a multitude of enrichment programs available for preschoolers. From music to swimming, and art to movement — and dozens of other fun options in between! — there are many ways to enrich your little learner’s life. Here are just some of the benefits of enrolling your child in an enrichment class, and what you should look for when choosing an activity for your preschooler.
The Benefits Abound Preschoolers are constantly learning from everything that they experience. And when you expose them to positive, enriching experiences, their learning soars. “When your preschooler uses brushes or creates in clay, they’re learning to improve and control their motor skills,” says Colton Pedro, director of education, outreach and exhibitions at the Indianapolis Art Center. Kids also learn social and emotional skills that might be hard to learn outside of the group setting that classes provide. “Our classes are designed to teach skills such as following directions, waiting for their turn, perseverance and positive reinforcement,” says Taryn DeVeau Lautzenheiser of DeVeau’s School of Gymnastics in Fishers. Casie Smith of Gymboree in Carmel agrees. “We are focused on social, emotional and cognitive at the same time,” Smith says. “In all classes, there is an element of each of these to encourage children to discover and challenge themselves. We are reaching the whole child in each class we offer.” And let’s not forget the physical aspects of some enrichment classes. “It can be a great workout!” says Andrew Joseph, area manager of Goldfish Swim School in Carmel, Fishers and Greenwood. “And [swim lessons] can save your life. Drowning is one of the largest preventable accidental deaths in children. Taking swim lesson can significantly reduce the risk up to 80%.”
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INDYSCHILD.COM I October 2020
Finding a Quality Program We know that preschool enrichment classes provide a multitude of benefits. So how do you find a quality program that is right for your child? “As a mother of three preschoolers, as well as someone with experience teaching young children, I am familiar with different enrichment programs and what distinguishes the best ones,” DeVeau Lautezenheiser says. “The most important factors to consider are the overall facility, experience and consistency of instructors, safety and cleanliness of the equipment, and quality of the curriculum. Most importantly, it is finding somewhere that you and your family feel at home and your child feels comfortable enough to have fun and grow.” Joseph adds: “For my family, we look for obvious signs of progression. Is there a process to ask questions, and do they go out of their way to understand my child and make sure they are enjoying the activity?” he says. Smith recommends looking at who is running the program and teaching the classes. “I think you can tell a lot about a program when you look behind the scenes,” she says. “Are teachers qualified to work with this age group? Do they understand the ‘why’ behind what they are teaching? Do they enjoy what they teach? Do they make you and your child feel special? All of these should be a yes!” Also important is to find a program that recognizes your child’s age, and meets them where they are developmentally. “A good program will have education and skill building at its core and will be designed for your child’s age,” Pedro says.
