Toddlers Private School
When you started preschool, you may have gone to the public school around the corner, or perhaps a private school a short bus ride away. For your parents, the choice of schools was probably pretty simple one. That is not usually the case today. As a parent, choosing between a public or private preschool education for your child can be daunting. This learning period is essential to your little one and it plays a major role in shaping his or her future. There are a lot of factors that can impact your decision about this. These factors vary, depending on your individual family dynamic, health considerations, financial capabilities, and religious priorities, among others.
As you work to decide on the best school for your child, you will have to do your own homework. That means researching, networking, and making sure that you understand all the choices available to you and your little one. While making your decision, it is important to know that public schools adhere to the teaching standards and policies of the state you live in. However, this does not mean that your child is just at the mercy of whatever the teachers choose to teach in a private school. They are required to undergo a strict process of accreditation from the government to operate viably; process ensures the curriculum, principles, and standards of education are equal.
Pros and Cons of Public Preschool
Publicly funded preschools use programs that have been implemented and tested to confirm that they are best for your toddler. The idea behind public preschool is to offer an affordable, standard education at an early age for families in lower income brackets.
Teachers have more qualifications. According to a key study from the National Center for Education Statistics, public school teachers are found to be more qualified than their independent school counterparts when it comes to education and experience. For example, they’re more likely to have a master’s degree, and to have logged a greater number of hours pursuing in-service study, for example, mastering how to use computers in the classroom. The report also indicates that, on average, public school teachers earn higher salaries than teachers in private schools do..
Public schools can sponsor more activities. When it comes to offering extra-curricular activities, academic support, and better supplies and learning tools, public schools have the edge. Why? It is simply because most public schools are bigger than private schools. In additional, federal and state laws require public schools to deliver diagnostic and disability services. Public schools are typically more likely to offer gifted and talented and remedial programs as well.
The student population is typically more diverse. A private education is usually out of reach for lower income students, which means there is less opportunity to introduce your child to children of different races and socioeconomic backgrounds. If one of your priorities is to have your child know children from all walks of life, then a public school is for you.
Pros and Cons of Private Pre-school
Schools and classes tend to be much smaller. Private preschool classrooms are typically smaller and have few children per class. This means your child receives more one-on-one attention from their teachers compared to public pre-schools. The private preschool environment can also enforce a sense of community and belonging in your child. On average, private schools have a student to teacher ratio of 9:1 while that same ratio is 17:1 in public schools.
Parent involvement is strong. Parent involvement tends to be more prevalent in private preschools than in public ones. This is often because administrators than run private preschools encourage parent involvement in their child’s daily activities. You will also have a say in many aspects of your child’s education. Teachers in private preschools are familiar in early childhood education. This means that they can help you when it comes to your child’s development.
Potential for less interaction and attention. One disadvantage of private preschools is in the area of child interaction. The emphasis they place on group interactions may minimize the individual attention each child needs. This could dilute the teacher-student ratio that ensures that each child receives enough attention.
Additional unforeseen costs. The preschool administrators set guidelines which you should adhere to, however they may not be always conducive for your family. For example, be sure to research whether the school has exorbitant fees for late pickups or staying home in the event they say that your child is too ill to be there.
There’s often less bureaucracy. Because private schools don’t have to abide by certain state regulations, which means they spend less time on mandated paperwork and therefore more on instruction. They also are not forced to focus on test scores. As a result, teachers may enjoy more autonomy in the classroom and have more creative control over their teaching methods and techniques.
Public and private preschools have their advantages and disadvantages. It is up to you as the parent to weigh the pros and cons and decide which option is right for your toddler and your family.
It is important to note that private schools are not required to comply with state laws regarding special needs students. However, many private schools do accommodate students with special needs, but they are not required to do so by law like public schools. If you have a toddler with special needs, be sure that your child’s physical and behavioral needs will be met at the school of your choosing.
Midwest Preschools for your consideration:
- Japhet School Clawson, Serving Royal Oak
- Great Beginnings, 820 California Ave, Windsor, ON N9B 3T3, Canada
- Prep Academy Schools – Dublin Ohio
- The Goddard School of Pickerington Ohio
- Willowwind School Iowa
- Westside Christian Preschool and Childcare Indiana
