I’ve been running a private dayhome/preschool for almost 16 years. I wipe many littles’ tears, read them stories, kiss their scraped knees, cook their favorite meals, teach them how to write their names, and rock them to sleep. In the winter, I bundle those little bodies into their snowsuits to go outside and build snow castles and in the summer, I apply sunscreen to those same little bodies, so they can run through the sprinklers and enjoy picnics in the park. And when the sun doesn’t shine, we improvise and run in the rain. We visit the animals at the zoo, and we go on hikes and other adventures, too! Working as a private dayhome provider is crazy, exhausting, and non-stop, but so rewarding because I know that I am positively impacting and shaping young minds.
With hundreds of pre-kindergarten programs to choose from in the Calgary area, the options can be overwhelming for most parents. The bottom line: finding the program that works best for you and your child requires research. The best place to start is by asking questions. If possible, attend an open house, or arrange for a visit. Find out everything you can about the school. Don’t forget to take into consideration things such as convenience, class times, fees, location, field trips and excursions, and recommendations from other parents, types of toys and equipment available, etc.
For many parents, Kindergarten signals an important transition from the all-consuming baby and toddler years. Suddenly, your ‘baby’ is expected to make more choices on their own, stay focused over a longer period of time, learn new skills, and navigate a social circle with less oversight from you. Plan ahead to pave the road to a happier Kindergarten transition for all.
The Good Old Days: I began teaching first grade back in the dark ages: the decade of the 1960s. Back then, many children didn’t attend Kindergarten, and those who did spent their days at play stations where they painted, dressed up, pretended to cook meals, and built tall walls with blocks. Their day was rounded out with story times, a snack, and a nap.
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