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Finding the right early learning community can be a challenge depending on the area you live in. What I am referring to takes into consideration the miles from your home or place of work and school, and your work schedules. Most early learning schools are half-day, with full-day schools being either childcare or a mix of childcare and preschool. The miles and time it takes you to leave one place and go to another is a big consideration. The school you choose welcomes you no matter where you are traveling from, as long as it is a place you want your child to learn and grow.
Another factor in choosing the right early learning community is the school’s educational philosophy. There are different types of early learning programs, all promoting various educational theories and methods. Today, more than ever before, families can easily look up what they wish to know online and find out the information they are looking for at their fingertips. It still takes time to research the information you want, but it is worth the time you put in. For example, Montessori is not Constructivism. Boxed curriculum programs are not the same as emergent, so really explore the type of early learning you want for your child. Whether it is the right program for you and your child is entirely up to you, and what learning goals you have in mind for your child.
Consider the size of the right early learning community. Some families want their child to be in a school that is large so they feel a part of a bigger community. Other families want smaller learning environments so their child is not as intimidated and gets more one-on-one attention from the teacher/ teachers. The size of the program matters, and it matters most to your child. For children who have zero experience interacting in a group setting with other children, a small learning environment may be ideal. If your child has been to things like play parks where you are with them, yet they can explore on their own with other children, your child may be ready for a larger first school experience. Your child’s emotional development is also something to consider alongside their personality type. Children who lean towards an extroverted personality may enjoy a larger school environment because they need more stimulation in all areas of learning. Children with an introverted personality type may need a smaller learning environment so they can thrive, feeling safe and free to be curious with confidence.
When looking for the right early learning community, remember that your young child is still new to the world. Sensitivity to their emerging emotional and social skills is vital to their success. Take things slowly, be patient, and respect that your child needs time to adjust to large life changes. Not every child assimilates into school life quickly during the early years. Respect your child’s age and developmental level. Understand that you are their center, and they are still emerging from within themselves. The world evolves around you for your child, and being away from you is a large part of the school experience. Your child is taking in complex information and needs your steady reassurance that you will let them take their time to adjust to big life changes. And something else to keep in mind, every child is different in how they adjust to school life, so work together with your child’s teacher to find ways that will best help your child through this exciting yet scary process.
The right fit is not always your first choice of early learning schools. There could be issues with the size of the school being too big, too small, or not in an ideal space. Working with the teacher may be a two-way problem and you may not feel comfortable being a partner in your child’s early educational experiences with the teacher. Keep in mind, in that case, the feeling is most likely mutual. Both parents and teachers must feel comfortable working with each other as partners in education. Even if your child likes their teacher and the students they attend school with, feeling comfortable with the teacher is huge for parents too. It is perfectly fine to take your child out of a school and enroll them in another school where you feel more comfortable with the teacher/ teachers. Children feel your stress, and they are resilient to a certain extent. If your child had a best friend in the school you left, keep in touch with that child’s family so your child can continue building their friendship with that child, which can support your child’s feelings about making new friends.
The right fit has a lot to do with open communication and honesty. Parents who want to be partners in education know that talking to the teacher about any school or learning-related issues is vital to their child’s success. Take the time to talk, listen, and make a plan of action if need be for your child, but always talk to the teacher. Stay on the same page with school issues, so you don’t go down the ugly path of assumptions, misunderstandings, and misinformation. Teachers and parents are role models for young children, and if they choose not to talk to each other, they are role-modeling poor communication skills and disrespect to the child. Your child feels your stress no matter how hard you may try to hide it; they are in tune with you, so please remember that if any school-related issues come up that bother you, and you want to know more about it, take time to talk to the teacher. Always respond to school communications so you are in the loop and not left out.
Leaving an early learning community may mean it is simply not the right fit for you or your child. There is no shame or idea of failure in this development. Sometimes, an environment chosen for a child just is not the right atmosphere for your child’s unique and individual needs. Keep in mind, there are other schools, and there are different personalities that you and your child may connect better with in other programs. Leaving one school and choosing another is a way of taking care of you and your child’s emotional and social needs. Be kind to yourself, your child, and the school you are leaving. Although the class and teacher will miss your family if you have to leave, know that everyone will support your decision because what is best for you and your child comes first. Drama is not part of leaving and never should be. As parents, you are the first and strongest role model for your child, so be mindful of how you treat the teacher and the community you are leaving. There is no need to “burn bridges”. Look at change as a new road or pathway your child is taking on their learning journey, and you are along for the ride.
The Marigold School of Early Learning welcomes families who believe in the power of play and children’s unending curiosity and wonder. If you would like to join this happy, kind, and small community, I look forward to meeting you. :)
The Marigold School of Early Learning 