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The Importance of Pre School

By Amy Engelberg of Kids of Mount Sinai/Kids of Miller Place February 2, 2022

Preschool provides an important early foundation for learning both socially and academically that will help children to succeed in elementary school and beyond. For many children, preschool is their first experience in a structured setting with teachers and groups of children. It’s an opportunity to learn to share, follow directions, and begin the foundation for learning that will be necessary throughout their exciting lives to follow.

As kindergarten has become more academic, many parents look to preschool to launch their child on the path to success. At the same time, parents may worry that the current trend to focus on academic skills in preschool cuts into important play time and pushes a child to grow up too fast. To get a clear picture of what type of a program a particular preschool offers, parents need to be prepared to tour the school, ask many questions, and always try to view a class in progress. Don’t ever feel pressured that you have to make a decision on the spot. Take in everything that you have seen and heard, develop additional follow-up questions, and be sure that the program is a good fit for your child and family.

At Kids of Mount Sinai and Kids of Miller Place, we have developed a proven program that combines academics, social development, and imaginative play into a uniquely individual and fun learning experience. Our programs encourage children to think for themselves, explore various subjects, and allow them to establish their personalities and encourage their imaginations. Long gone are the days where A is for Apple and B is for Bat. All children are different and we allow each one to learn in a way that suits their own personal learning style. There are auditory learners, visual learners, some need tactile stimulation and others even music to help them learn. When learning a letter, number, color or concept we teach it in a way to meet these various learning styles. A single subject can include the singing of songs, storytelling, written practice, art projects, creating and utilizing relatable objects, show and tell, and more. The important part is that children are having fun while learning throughout their day.

As a parent you also know the importance of your child feeling safe, secure and loved to their overall emotional and physical well-being. High-quality preschool programs will seek to develop warm relationships among children, teachers and parents and to nurture and environment that, to your child, feels like an extension of home. If you as apparent don’t feel “IT”, you can be sure that your child will not feel it either. Here at Kids of Mount Sinai & Kids of Miller Place our teachers, children, and parents effortlessly develop into one big family and, as part of the Kids Family, parents receive constant communication, open caring teachers, and a nurturing atmosphere where their child feels the warmth and security of our home away from home. Our goal is not only to be a trusted educator and caregiver but to become one of your best resources when it comes to your child.

Your child’s early academic and social education is an important stepping stone towards their future success. Take your time, ask questions, speak to other parents, and be sure that you feel as comfortable with your preschool decision as you want your child to feel when they are there. If you have any questions please feel free to call or stop by our Mount Sinai or Miller Place location. We would love to meet you and show you what makes us different!


About Kids of Mount Sinai / Kids of Miller Place

Kids of Mount Sinai and Kids of Miller Place are locally owned and operated childhood enrichment centers which operate Monday-Friday from 7am-6pm. They offer school year, year-round and summer camp programs for children 6 weeks to 12 years of age. Morning, afternoon, and full day programs are available to meet your family’s needs. Before and after care is also available for all ages including local school district elementary grades K-5 (convenient District busing is provided to and from Kids and the elementary schools). Kids of Mount Sinai - 37 Crystal Brook Hollow Rd. Mt. Sinai 631-331-7613 kidsofmountsinai.com Kids of Miller Place - 43 Echo Ave. Miller Place 631-403-4790 kidsofmillerplace.com