How to prepare your child for kindergarten

Starting school can be intimidating for any child, and the same goes for parents. Still, that’s a challenge you must face together sooner rather than later. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 86% of five-year-olds are already in school. Your job as a parent is to prepare your child for this new chapter in their life. Learn how to prepare your little one for kindergarten by following the tips below.

Enroll Them in a Toddler Program

A toddler program is the perfect space to prepare toddlers for kindergarten. Your child will develop more confidence in an environment dedicated to learning through play. This setting is also ideal for improving your toddler’s social-emotional skills before they are introduced to the more structured kindergarten classroom.

Practice Independence at Home

Teaching your child how to be independent at home is a big step for many parents. It means your little one is growing up! This period before kindergarten is a crucial one for helping your child learn independence in the safety and comfort of their home. Encourage your little one to feed themselves during meal times at home. Have them assist you with chores around the home; for example, you may have them fold and put away their laundry while you do your own next to your child. Showing them how to be independent at home instills trust and confidence for the next step in their educational journey.

Talk Openly About the School Experience

Kindergarten marks the start of formal education for most kids. There are many ways to build anticipation and enthusiasm for this new adventure! While your child will gain experience being around little ones in their toddler program, it’s important that they understand expectations at the next level. Make kindergarten preparation exciting by having a countdown on your calendar for their first day, telling them about all the fun snacks you’ll pack for them, and all the toys they’ll be able to play with.

How can you ensure that kindergarten becomes a pleasant experience for your child? Preparing them for that stage of education certainly helps. Follow the steps above to get your child ready with ease. You can also enroll your little one in Key Point Academy Aventura’s toddler program to get them adequately prepared! We’re eager to work with your family soon.

Exploring the Differences Between Catholic School and Public School Curriculums

It’s never an easy decision to choose the right school for your child. Factors like cost, transportation, education level, special needs, and much more need to be considered before making your final selection. Many parents find themselves struggling with whether to stick with public schooling or move their child into a private school, especially with curriculum differences. In this informative blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some distinct differences between Catholic school and public school curriculums and teaching styles.

Teaching Styles and Instructor Availability

The first big difference that you can see between public schools and private, Catholic schools is the sheer number of students. Public schools see much bigger classes and groups of students, which can pose a challenge for a student who learns best with one-on-one, example-based teaching. Catholic schools, on the other hand, often break up students into smaller classes, ensuring that each student gets the attention they need, whether that be asking extra questions or getting additional tutoring on the side.

Community Service and Awareness

Local service is a key focus in private, Catholic education, both inside and outside the school walls. According to the Federal Nutrition Program, 45% of Catholic schools in the United States participate in Federal Nutrition Programs, which provide over 270,000 free meals to children daily. Additionally, the Catholic school curriculum often requires community service hours, promoting social cohesion past the borders of education. Most public schools have no such requirements for students, keeping learning confined to the classroom.

College Preparedness

While both public and private schools may put an emphasis on preparing students for college, higher education, or the workforce, Catholic schools provide promising statistics to back up this goal. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 99% of students who attend Catholic high school graduate. Of those, 86% attend 4-year colleges. These statistics alone are one of the key reasons why parents choose Catholic education over public school.

Are you thinking about enrolling your child in a Catholic school, but need more information first? Are you curious if your child could apply for a scholarship so you can save on tuition? Contact your local school today.