How to select the right preschool是让很多妈妈头痛的一件事。今天刚好在community library听了一个workshop,拣主要的和各位妈妈分享一下。
第一部分 – 不同的programs,感兴趣的妈妈可以用关键字搜索你居住区域的programs。
1. Montessori – 湾区遍地都是
- Child centered – self directed
- Culturally literate/self-disciplined children
- Use special materials – task completion is important
- Teacher observes and guides
- Practical life experience with academic lessons
- Class sizes larger
2. Waldorf – 起源于20世纪初的欧洲(我没听说过),貌似有些死板,不到一定年龄不能使用电脑等等
- Educate the head (thinking/logic), heart (art/spirit), and hands (craft/practical work)
- Whole child
- Emphasis on nature, natural materials, rejection of commercial influences
3. Reggio Emilia – 起源于六十年代的意大利(我也没听说过)
- Focus on natural development
- Four key principles
- Children have control over their learning
- Senses play a large part
- Interaction and friendship
- Self-expression
- Strong belief in collaboration and group work
- Ideas presented in multiple formats
- Teacher is a co-learner, guide and researcher
- Parental involvement
第二部分 – Where to look and when
- Ask friends and neighbors
- Attend a preschool fair in your area
- Start at least a year before your ideal start date
- General guidelines for when to start (这个比较有用)
- Age 0-18months: at home or family day care home (FDCH)
- Age 18 months – 2.5 yrs: small groups, FDCH ideal
- Age 2.5-3.5 yrs: ready for 2-3 days a week in a group setting
- Age 3.5-5 yrs: group setting at least two days per week
第三部分 – First questions to ask
- Location, hours and cost, group size, ratios
- Philosophy, discipline, separation, toilet training
- Staff training, turn-over, emergencies, illness, licensing
- Parent involvement and communication