Does My Child Really Need To Attend Preschool?

Preschool is not mandatory in Alberta. Preschool education is typically designed for children aged 3-5 and because it is not compulsory, programming is not standardized and options range from childcare-focussed models and play-based learning to a more structured curriculum. For these reasons, many parents wonder if preschool is really necessary and if their child is better off waiting until kindergarten or even grade one to begin their formal education. Many experts agree that attending a quality preschool program can prepare your child for kindergarten, elementary, and all the years of schooling beyond that. Here are the reasons that choosing to begin your child’s educational journey with a Montessori preschool might be the best idea.

To learn more about the tuition and fees for the Grey Matter Montessori preschool program, click here.

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Why Preschool Is Important

A child’s brain is developing rapidly between the ages of 2 and 5. It is important to provide children with opportunities to grow and explore with age-appropriate, enriching activities during this critical time. High-quality preschool programs foster social, cognitive, emotional, and language development in an intentional environment. This environment can offer young children numerous benefits and lay the groundwork for a life-long love of learning.

A Montessori program incorporates a philosophy of child-led learning into a preschool classroom environment where all students can feel valued and engaged. Here are the benefits of the Grey Matter Montessori preschool program.

Your Child Will Learn The Fundamentals Of 6 Key Areas Of Learning

The Grey Matter Montessori program follows the International Preschool Curriculum (IPC); designed by a global professional association of early childhood educators and recognized as surpassing all standard curriculum requirements. This curriculum is research-based and covers these six key areas of learning:

Language Arts
Numeracy
Creative Arts
Socio-Economic Skills
Sciences
Motor Skills

To learn more about this enhanced standard for preschool education read
Key Benefits Of The International Preschool Curriculum.

Your Child Will Follow Their Own Path
In a Montessori preschool classroom, the teachers recognize that every child has a different way of learning and their own distinct timeline. The classroom environment, the tools and learning materials available, and the philosophy of our teachers all contribute to a framework where children can pursue their own unique potential at a pace that cultivates success for them.

Your Child Will Learn About Their Important Role Within A Community
The mixed-age learning environment and the Montessori program’s engagement with our greater community encourage students to care for themselves, care for each other, and develop a sense of purpose within their social groups. Younger children learn from older children, older children become leaders and mentors within their peer group, and children naturally take on roles within their social circles that highlight their personal strengths and build confidence in their ability to contribute to their community.

Parents play an important role in our school community too.
Read What is The Parents’ Role In Montessori Education to learn more.

The Value Of Preschool

We believe that every child can benefit from the Montessori approach to early childhood education through a preschool program. But the wonderful thing about preschool education is you can decide the best choice for your child. Whether you are debating between different preschool program options or trying to decide if your child is ready for preschool, we welcome you to visit our school and explore Grey Matter Montessori.

If you are interested in exploring the benefits of a Grey Matter Montessori education for your preschool-aged or kindergarten-aged child, contact us to book a time for a school tour at our NW Calgary location. We are accessible just off of Symons Valley Parkway in the NW community of Evanston. Call us for more info on our Calgary Montessori preschool programming at 587-707-4739.

FAQ

Q: Is it better for my child to stay in a Montessori program for their entire school journey?
A: We may be biased, but we believe every child can benefit from a Montessori education. However, the reality is that Montessori education is not widely available for every student from preschool to grade 12 in Calgary. And factors such as location, community, finances, and availability will influence every family’s decision about where to send their children to school. But even if a Montessori preschool program is the only exposure to the Montessori Method of child-led learning your child will have, the impact of this philosophy of education will set the groundwork for future academic and social success.

For more information read How A Montessori Preschool Prepares Your Child For A Traditional Kindergarten Program.

Q: Is there a checklist of things my child must know before attending preschool?
A: At Grey Matter Montessori in Calgary, we value the differences that make each child unique. If your child is aged 3-6 they may be ready to begin to explore learning and we are ready to facilitate it. Learn more about exploring your child’s readiness for preschool here.

Q: When do you accept registration?
A: Grey Matter Montessori has ongoing registration and even offers advanced registrations (up to two years). Contact our office for more information on the upcoming school year and register as early as possible to ensure availability for your desired days and times.