While there is no shortage of preschool and early childhood education programs in Northeast Ohio, knowing what to look for can help families to find the best fit for their child. Although each childcare center is unique, the best preschools in Cleveland, Ohio have certain common denominators. Here are five of them.
1. Warm, Nurturing Classroom Environments
ThePreschoolGroup.com recommends that children interact with adults and other children as they build a strong foundation of close relationships. Preschoolers are “respected, nurtured, and challenged,” enjoying an environment where mutual listening occurs. They are encouraged to use reasoning skills, aren't isolated, and don't need to wait long amounts of time for what they need. This helps with their emotional development, preparing children for the educational experience ahead of them in school.
The classroom itself contains appropriate toys and materials, with opportunities for child-directed art, science and environmental education, movement, music, math, dramatic play, and blocks and building. Activities and materials promote diversity and acceptance, and parents are encouraged to participate in the classroom as their schedules allow.
2. A Focus on Kindergarten Readiness
According to the Ohio Department of Education, kindergarten preparation consists of helping children to participate effectively in school: physically, emotionally, and socially. This requires appropriate support and nurturing.
Kindergarten readiness involves the child's ability to separate from their primary caregivers without feeling anxious; use self-control; cooperate with adults and authority figures; show a degree of independence in performing self-help skills like tying their shoes and putting on their coats; use toys, scissors, crayons, and so forth in the classroom setting; know their first and last name, write their first name, and so forth. The best preschools in Cleveland are set up to help develop those traits.
3. An Emphasis on Collaboration and Individual Growth
The best preschools in Cleveland, Ohio offer opportunities for collaboration in education, including playing and sharing with other kids and following the directions of authority figures while also effectively communicating their needs. At the same time, children grow as individuals: from using restrooms independently, to creating unique pieces of art in the classroom, to enhancing their problem-solving skills.
In quality preschools, this isn't an either/or type of growth; preschoolers should consistently have chances to develop and progress in both ways.
4. Educated, Passionate Teachers
At a minimum, leading preschools in Cleveland follow required teacher-student ratios at all times to help ensure a safe, compliant environment. By following the appropriate structures to create smaller class sizes, instructors have better, more meaningful interactions with children: ones that are positive and more stimulating. These interactions are directly connected to numerous positive outcomes, including improved social competence and future success in academics, nurturing the whole child.
More qualified teachers, meanwhile, can do a better job of providing personalized learning opportunities with all the benefits that offers, in addition to a leading curriculum that prepares students for lifelong learning.
5. Highly Rated by Ohio Department of Education's Step Up to Quality
This program rates preschool curriculum quality and monitors their ongoing improvements. Program standards use national research to determine the activities and factors will improve outcomes for children as future students.
Preschool programs need a rating of three to maintain any state funding; programs that go beyond these requirements can receive a rate of four or five. So, when looking at preschools, look for those that have stepped up to quality and receive high ratings.
Choose Horizon Education Centers as Your Preschool
Located across western Greater Cleveland, Horizon's preschool programs meet all of these qualifications, providing children with the enriching experiences they need to grow and succeed. Here, you can see how we've achieved our Step Up to Quality ratings at all our child care centers.
If you've been looking for a quality preschool program for your child in the Cleveland area, fall enrollment is open now at all Horizon centers. We'd love to meet you and your little one, and answer your questions about our early childhood education programs!
