San Francisco Preschool Styles Preschools differ from traditional daycares in that they have a more educational focus and work to prepare your child for Kindergarten. When it comes to preschool, there are several different educational styles so you’ll want to understand what they mean to choose the preschool philosophy that is right for your family. Play-based — This style is pretty self explanatory. Children learn through age-appropriate play and activities like story time and arts & crafts. This philosophy is very popular and may also be combined with another philosophy like the ones below. Reggio Emilia — Similar to play-based, children learn through their own exploration and creativity. Montessori — This popular philosophy encourages personal responsibility and hands-on learning through activities like preparing meals and picking up belongings in addition to play-based activities. Because schools can use the Montessori name without any specific certification, check with the particular school you are considering to better understand their methods. Language Immersion / Bilingual — Children pickup languages a lot faster than adults so you’ll find a lot of preschools that will immerse your child in a foreign language. Most do not require that the parents even speak the language. Co-op — These preschools are generally more affordable but they require a certain number of hours of parent participation. If you like being around little kids, then this arrangement could be win-win! Forest / Outdoor school — The best part of living in San Francisco is the mild weather. Some schools take advantage of this by hosting their school almost entirely outdoors and encouraging your child to explore their natural surroundings. Waldorf — This philosophy is built on the idea of predictable routines and rhythms. Many Waldorf schools take place in a homey environment where children learn through consistent activities. If you child thrives with a clear schedule, a Waldorf school may be your best bet. ---- Tell us in the comments: which philosophy sounds best to you?

• Like
• Comment