Most children begin preschool around age 3, but readiness isn't just about age. Ask yourself the following questions to help you determine if your child is ready to take that first step into a classroom.
1. How Old Is Your Child?
Preschool typically starts for children around the ages of 3 to 5 years old.
The ideal age for a child to enroll in preschool varies and depends on a variety of factors such as the child's individual development, the specific preschool's admission policies, and family priorities. Typically, most preschools accept children between the ages of 3 and 5 years old.
2. Is Your Child Potty Trained?
Some preschools require that their students be potty trained, or at least well on their way. Preschoolers also should have some knowledge of self-care, including putting on their shoes and their coat. They also should know how to pull up and fasten their pants as well as wash their hands.
3. Can You Understand Your Child's Speech?
3-year-olds aren't expected to have perfect speech. However, ideally, people should be able to understand what they're trying to say. Likewise, your preschooler should be able to hear and understand other people.
4. Does Your Child Follow Directions?
There aren't usually super strict rules in preschool, but it is expected that your child can follow simple instructions. Preschoolers are usually asked to clean up, follow snack guidelines, walk in a line with the rest of the class, and do other assorted jobs.
If you sense these requirements might be problematic, you can start giving your preschooler easy tasks they can do on their own such as setting the plates at the dinner table or helping bring in the mail. The job itself isn't as important as the routine. Pick simple chores that can be completed every day.