Most preschool programs will start taking children as young as 2 ½ years of age. The fact that a child is this age does not pre-qualify them for a preschool program. There are many factors involved in the decision to register a child for a preschool program. Ultimately, is the child developmentally ready to participate in a structured program with other children?

Go through the enclosed questions and look at the list of skills required to say: “Yes, my child is ready for a preschool program!” At times, making this decision alone is difficult because we all want to say our child is ready. This may be a good time to use the resources of the community that interacts with your child to get a good indication if your child is truly ready for a preschool program. This may include such individuals as: your partner; the pediatrician or general practitioner; the public or community health nurse; or the child’s caregiver, if there is one.

The following questions have been developed by Patricia Henderson Shimm, director of the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development in New York and co-author of Parenting Your Toddler and modified for this document. They will help with developing a clear picture of your child’s readiness for a preschool program.

Is your child fairly independent?

Preschool children require basic skills; most children must be potty trained for preschool programs. They also need to have other skills such as washing hands after painting and before eating,; eat food independently, and able to clean up after an activity.

Has the child spent time away from you?

Has your child been left with other people such as a caregiver, sister, or grandparents? Being away from the primary caregiver such as a mom or dad can help with separation anxiety for both the parent and the child.

If this is a concern, consider staggered entry. This is when a child goes for short periods of time to have them adjust to being away from their primary caregiver, then adding attendance time daily or weekly until there is full participation. Discuss this with your prospective preschool program as an option.

If the child has not had time away from the primary caregiver, this is a wonderful opportunity to help children build their confidence with school readiness skills.

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Can the child work on projects on their own?

Preschool usually involves lots of arts and crafts projects to be completed on one’s own. It is important for a child to be able to focus on the task independently. If a child can complete puzzles, art projects and enjoys independent play without much adult intervention for extended periods of time then the child is a good candidate for preschool. If a child has some difficulty with this, it is a good opportunity to encourage independent play for a half hour or so. Encourage puzzles, quiet reading time alone; making play dough creatures or playing with toys until the child is comfortable with doing activities on their own without too much adult intervention.

Is the child ready to participate in a group?

Preschool programs are group programs. The key is all children will interact together giving children an opportunity to learn together and from each other. This will require that children participate and require them to sit and listen to stories, sing songs and be aware of the needs of others. If your child is not used to this, it is not too late to start introducing them to group activities such as story time at the library, group gymnastics and play time with other children in the community. The goal is helping the child to be able to function in a group and taking turns with others. This may be difficult with young children as they are such active doers and this is a big transition for them. Patience and repetitive exposure to group dynamics will help them adjust to preschool and eventually school programs.

Does the child have a regular schedule allowing active participation?

Preschool programs follow predictable routines. There is a reason for this, children gain comfort and feel in control when there is an established routine. When they have this level of comfort it allows children to explore their environment and maximize their learning potential. If routine is not part of their day, start standardizing the child’s day bit by bit. Start by offering meals at the same time each day, then add in a walk to the park and then build in bed time routines. This will help to develop a regular schedule and prepare them for the preschool environment.

Does the child have the stamina to participate in an active preschool program?

Does your child still require scheduled naps and times of rest in the middle of the morning or afternoon? Preschool programs are active. They include art projects, active play, interactive play, playground time and field trips. If a child still required lots of rest or they become cranky, this is not the time to send them to preschool. Work towards building the child’s stamina by making sure the child gets a good night’s rest.

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Why do you want your child in a preschool program now?

Think carefully about why you want your child to attend preschool. If you need a break or childcare, there are other options available. See Care finder for other options available to you if your child is not ready for the rigors of a scheduled preschool program.

If you are worried that if you do not have your child enrolled in a preschool program they will not excel or be ready for kindergarten? Experts state that children will develop skills necessary to be successful in kindergarten by attending a good childcare program or spending quality time at home with a loving caregiver. Children do best when they are cared for someone who is genuinely concerned about their well being. They do not have to be enrolled in a preschool program for that.

However, if the child is eager to learn, likes being with other children and is not getting enough stimulation at home or in their childcare program the child is a likely candidate for a preschool program.

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Since the selection of a caregiver is a subjective decision, Caregiver Marketplace urges you to visit each care choice you consider , ask pertinent questions regarding the care offered, and determine whether the potential caregiver is appropriate for you and your family