| Preschool
101
Selecting
the Right School for Your Child
by diane selkirk
Choosing a
preschool for your child can be a confusing experience. We often
make our selection based on location, price, referral or availability.
However, the philosophical and program differences between Waldorf,
Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Parent Participation and other types
of pre-schools vary and should factor into your decision. Preschool
is a precursor to school, so selecting a good preschool can help
your children develop a positive attitude towards future education.
Here is a quick introduction to some of the philosophies and terms
you are likely to encounter during your search for the right preschool.
 Montessori
Maria Montessori was an Italian physician and educator. She developed
her innovative “Montessori method” for teaching young
children in the early part of the 20th century. Her philosophy em-phasizes
the child’s initiative and independence, allowing each child
to progress through an orderly series of structured learning activities
at his own pace. Special materials, which emphasize the use of all
the senses in learning, are used. These self-correcting tools, which
teach children the “right” way to perform a task, were
designed with the needs of both gifted, and special needs students
in mind.
If you visit a Montessori class, the setting may seem remarkably
calm and quiet for a preschool. The children will be involved in
self-selected activities that capture their interest rather than
projects selected by a teacher. They may also be encouraged to take
care of themselves; go to the bathroom without assistance, prepare
a snack when they are hungry, clean up their own spills. You may
also find a range of ages (2-5) in the same class.
Montessori teachers receive specialized training; usually two trained
teachers are assigned to each classroom. Montessori schools and
their staff members may be affiliated with any of several professional
organizations. But be aware that since the word “Montessori”
is not trademarked, anyone can use it.
Waldorf
The Waldorf program is based on the principles developed by Rudolf
Steiner, an Austrian scientist and educator. It emphasizes developing
the child’s intellectual powers in harmony with the emotional
and physical aspects of his nature.
Waldorf education provides a sense of routine and predictability.
The curriculum is based on a regular rhythm for daily and weekly
activities that is said to reflect the natural rhythm of the seasons.
Creative play is the most important means of learning in a Waldorf
classroom, with an emphasis on teamwork and togetherness. Teachers
receive specialized training and often remain with the same group
of children for several years.
Waldorf classrooms are all natural: no televisions, computers, or
even plastic toys. The philosophy teaches that children benefit
from the feel, sight, and smell of natural materials. You will notice
that the class follows a predictable schedule where children are
given time for activities like cooking, dress-up, singing, art projects,
story time and other activities.
Waldorf programs are more group-oriented than other preschools and
children are taught specific techniques in art and other activities.
The spiritual element of the school means that typical cultural
holidays are not observed.
Reggio Emilia
Unlike methods of education such as Waldorf or Montessori, Reggio
Emilia has no set curriculum and no formal teacher-training program.
The people of the city of Reggio Emilia, Italy first opened cooperatively
run schools in 1945. Their idea was for the community to build schools
with their own hands, educate children to their fullest potential
and create a just world that was free from oppression.
The principles or guiding ideals of the Reggio Emilia approach can
vary in name and number. This is because they are not actually separate
ideas, but a tightly linked, cohesive philosophy. The basic assumption
of the Reggio Emilia approach is that children are complete, competent
individuals with an innate understanding of how to relate to the
world. They are not “empty vessels” waiting for us to
fill them with knowledge but equal partners in learning. Play and
time for play are honoured and seen as the child’s work.
In the classroom the projects and activities follow the children’s
interests rather than a set curriculum. You will notice that the
kids are encouraged to work in groups and that the materials they
work with are very diverse (not just paint and glue but wood, metal,
shells and recycled items). Their teachers, who are seen as partners
in learning, believe children can express themselves thro-ugh various
visual medias, not just speech - making Reggio schools a good choice
for ESL children. The children are encouraged to find answers to
their own questions through experimentation and mistakes rather
than by being taught or told by the teacher.
Around the room you may notice that the children’s work is
carefully “documented” through visual displays, allowing
them to learn that their work is important, and to see the progress
that is made over time.
Play-Based or Child-Centred
Also known as “developmentally appropriate,” this vague
sounding heading is the underlying philosophy of many preschools.
The teacher receives formal training in early childhood education
(ECE) and is often exposed to the phil-osophies of Montessori, Reggio
Emilia and Waldorf.
In the Play-Based preschool, children are encouraged to learn through
activities that are appropriate to their age and stage of development.
Children can usually choose among several activities and can play
alone or in small groups. The whole group often comes together for
songs, stories, or other “circle time” activities. Rote
learning, worksheets, and early reading are not usually part of
the program but many preschools feel parental pressure to prepare
children for kindergarten and have added more structured academics.
In the classroom you will often notice theme based activities and
artwork. The class will also provide periods of unstructured playtime
where the children can choose where, what and who to play with.
Parent Participation
Parent Participation Preschools are structured as non-profit cooperatives
and usually hire an early childhood professional to direct the program.
Parents are required to work regularly in the classroom and at a
variety of other tasks, from financial management to preparing snacks.
They must also attend a monthly meeting where school business is
discussed in combination with a parent education seminar.
In the class you will find a smaller ratio of children to adults;
often one teacher will be supported by two parents in a class of
12-15 children. The parents set the philosophy and structure for
the school so some may have a more academic focus while others may
cater to a mixed age group. Because of their family’s involvement
in the preschool, the children often see each other outside of class.
They become familiar with the wide range of adults who act as “duty
parents” in the classroom.
Parent Participation Preschools have the option of belonging to
the BC Council of Parent Participation Preschools, an umbrella organization
that supports the preschools that meet the council’s requirements.
Academic
Academic programs stress preparation for elementary school, with
early reading or formal reading readiness activities, an introduction
to pencil-and-paper mathematics, and a general air of studiousness.
The preschool day is quite structured, often with separate times
for “work”.
Religious
Churches, synagogues, and other religious communities often sponsor
preschools. These incorporate varying degrees of religious training
and may also follow one of the other preschool philosophies outlined
here. Most employ teachers who are trained in ECE as well as religious
tenets.
Bilingual or Foreign Language
It is possible to choose among many languages for preschool. In
BC there are programs that introduce or teach in Japanese, French,
Spanish, German, Chinese, and many other languages. Some programs
combine a language with another specific preschool approach. Others
focus on the specific needs of ESL students.
Preschool Listings
Bee Haven
North & West Vancouver
604-924-4837
Brainbridge Bilingual Education and Fine Arts Centre
Vancouver
604-321-5577
www.brainbridge.ca
Core Education and Fine Arts (CEFA)
West Vancouver
604-913-7713
www.cefa.ca
Council of Parent Participation Preschools
(39 Preschools in BC)
604-435-4430
Family Montessori
Vancouver
604-224-2633
Le Petit Montessori Preschool
North Vancouver
604-980-7973
Marpole Bilingual Montessori
Vancouver
604-266-1091
Montessori Mes Petits Preschool
North Vancouver
604-980-1102
Pacific Rim
Vancouver & Richmond
604-726-8428
Paddington Station Fine Arts Preschool & Daycare
Richmond and Steveston
604-241-0141
www.theartsconnection.ca
Prematernelle Pomme D’Api
Vancouver
604-877-1122
www.pommedapi.org
Sunflower Academy Montessori & Creative Arts
Preschool & Kindergarten
Vancouver
604-904-9705
Wesbrook Parent Participation Preschool
Vancouver
604-224-3112
Vancouver Bilingual Preschool
Vancouver
604-261-1221
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