August 2005

Those Important Preschool Years

Preschoolers have learned many skills and are ready to take on the world! Working parents should look for a child care program that meets the needs of their preschoolers. A good program will have the following:

There is an experienced, well-trained caregiver.
The home or center is bright and clean.
The children are involved in planning activities. They are given choices of things to do during play times.
The books, playthings, and art materials are right for the children's ages and are where the children can reach them.
There is a place to do messy activities.
Reading activities are on the daily schedule.
The children have time to draw and write.
There is lots of conversation with the caregiver and between the children.
Imaginary play is scheduled, with props and dress-up clothes available.
Simple science and thinking activities are available.
There are games that teach cooperation and teamwork.
The children are encouraged to do things for themselves.
There are daily active play times with lots of space for active play.

Tell your child's caregiver about Penn State Cooperative Extension's Better Kid Care Program.

The Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension Better Kid Care Program has information on children's issues for early childhood educators, child care providers, and parents on the Better Kid Care Web site at: www.betterkidcare.psu.edu

Helping Preschoolers Learn

Preschool-age children learn in many ways and need to do several types of activities each day. If you are a working parent, find a child care program that will give your child opportunities to learn and explore.

To learn language and communication skills, children benefit from conversations with adults and each other all day long. There should be a reading corner for reading or looking at books.

Preschool-age children need to have materials to practice drawing and writing. They should have chances to see words in print around the home or center.

Balancing and throwing activities help develop large muscles. Fine motor skills are improved through drawing, cutting paper, and writing with a pencil.

Science and math activities help thinking skills. Art and music are needed to develop creative skills. Pretend playtime can increase imagination and be a time to practice some life skills while playing such things as house, being a farmer, or going to the store.

Children between the ages of three and five are learning to play together and can form friendships. Simple games teach cooperation. The children need to be encouraged to do things for themselves.

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Nancy Wilson, Better Kid Care Program Assistant
Penn State Better Kid Care Program
253 Easterly Parkway
State College, PA 16801
e-mail: naw6@psu.edu
Phone: 814-863-5880
Fax: 814-865-7893