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How to Find Quality Preschools Without Breaking the Bank?

Your child’s initial experiences at school profoundly influence their lifelong attitude toward learning. Choosing a good preschool not only sets the foundation for academic success but also plays a crucial role in their overall enjoyment of school. This guide outlines key features to help you identify a high-quality preschool that aligns with your budget, ensuring a positive start to your child’s education journey.

 

School’s Staff Who Loves The Job or Dedicated Staff

 

Children are intuitive, picking up on genuine interest and emotions. Seek a preschool with staff genuinely passionate about their jobs and working with children. Nurturekids preschool, with locations in Fremont, CA, and Dublin, CA, prides itself on a dedicated team committed to your child’s well-being.

 

Proven Track Record:

 

A preschool with a history of satisfied parents signals its worthiness for consideration. Explore options in your City/Area with positive testimonials.

 

Fun and enjoyable Atmosphere

 

When you take your children to school, they should enjoy being there. One of the best ways to develop this passion and interest is to create an atmosphere that induces children’s participation. Bright colors, various toys, etc. Motivate the children and encourage them to participate. It should be very different from the home environment. A fun environment can go a long way toward getting kids excited about school.

 

Quality Teaching Methods

 

There are many ways to teach. Different children grow up with different educational methods. If you are looking for a good school to enroll your child in. Inquire about the teaching methods used in the classroom to gauge how your child will respond and learn. This will give you a better idea of ​​the teaching methods and how your child will respond to those methods.

 

Optimal Class Size

 

Smaller class sizes allow for personalized instruction, enhancing your child’s learning experience.

 

Communication Platforms

 

You will rely on others to look after your child for hours. This is no small thing. You have the right to know how to contact your teacher at any time. Preparatory schools need to send a message about what is happening in your child’s classroom and academic environment. As a parent entrusting others with your child, insist on accessible communication platforms—social media, email, phone calls, text messages—to stay informed about classroom activities.

 

Fees and other attributes

 

Given the rising cost of education, collect detailed information about annual fees, understanding how they contribute to the facilities and services provided by the school. Discover affordable options at Nurturekids preschool in Fremont, CA, and Dublin, CA.

 

When seeking the best preschool for your child, ensure the chosen institution incorporates these features. A loving and positive environment, effective teaching methods, and transparent communication.

 

Additionally, I would like to introduce Nurturekids Preschool, a reputable institution with locations in Fremont and Dublin, California (CA). This preschool aligns with the principles discussed in the blog, offering a loving and positive environment, effective teaching methods, and transparent communication. You may consider incorporating this information into the content for added relevance.

Top Reasons to Send Your Child to a Summer Camp

Childhood is the best time for having fun and learning because it shapes the foundation for a child’s future and influences their lives. The entire childhood period is comparable to play-dough; receiving training from an early age can result in long-term benefits.

In most cases, children receive relevant education and extracurricular training in their schools, but they might miss out on effective training and schooling during their vacations.

Therefore, it is advisable to enroll your child in the best summer camp in Fremont and ensure that they receive proper motivation to reach their unlimited learning potential. Here’s a quick overview of the reasons why you need to send your child to a summer camp and why it’s important for them:

Getting Comprehensive Exposure To Enriched Programs

 

A child can get interested in several subjects and disciplines, and it can span both analytical and imaginative sides. The key lies in balancing the two and letting the children steer themselves to their maximum potential. The most recommended summer camp in Fremont gives ample chance of achieving excellence to the children by the following method:

 

1. They provide one-of-a-kind STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Art) programs for students from kindergarten to 8th-grade students. 

2. They help students assimilate academic enrichment with extracurricular activities.

3. They inspire students with science awareness experiments and thought-provoking Lego projects.

4. Their activity list is diverse and tailored to meet the different skill sets of the children. Some activities include art, chess, dance, entrepreneurship, spelling bee science, Math Olympiad, table tennis, public speaking, journalism, theater, yoga, debate workshops, and competition.

 

The students get to choose their preferred activity and learn while having fun

Spending An Exciting Summer

 

Children are normally enthusiastic individuals who are most excited about the summer holidays. The most preferred summer camp for kids in Fremont allows students to unwind, rest, and explore their likings outside the classrooms.
Moreover, the camp allows the children to engage in new activities, create long-lasting memories, and spend time with friends and family. Summer vacation is great for traveling to new places, playing around, and exploring your surroundings, and attending a summer camp can provide opportunities to do both.
These centers offer a diverse range of educational activities such as art and science lessons, learning pods, taekwondo classes for kids, public speaking, magic show, Bollywood dance, chess, and many more. Their comprehensive training helps them discover the life aspects they are passionate about, learn responsibility, and achieve the highest level of success. Their careful nurturing and right direction help the children become productive and caring citizens.

The Benefits Of Attending Summer Camp

 

The highly recommended summer camp in Fremont provides workshops. It entices children and teenagers to make friends, learn new skills, and enjoy their holiday within a controlled and reassuring environment. Here are some reasons your children should attend summer camps:

 

1. Socialization

 

The children get opportunities to interact with peers from different backgrounds. These experiences provide them with comprehensive training and help them develop friendships, build social skills, and learn to work by sharing and caring for others.

 

2. Exploration And Investigation

 

Children are naturally curious, and nurturing this quality in a suitable environment creates intelligent children with great assessment capabilities. These exposures to different games and activities can help them gain confidence and develop resilience.

 

3. Learning New Abilities

 

The children can access a wide range of activities and programs at the best summer camp in Fremont, including arts and crafts, sports, and other outdoor activities. The camp’s teaching methods enable students to delve deeper into their interests, acquire new skills, and develop their talents through well-designed extracurricular opportunities.

 

4. Positive Impact On The Mind

 

Summer camps are primarily designed to provide outdoor activities, allowing children to disconnect from the constant exposure to technology. By spending time outdoors, children become more familiar with their surroundings and learn life skills that enable them to adapt and thrive in the absence of modern conveniences.

 

5. Sense Of Freedom

 

Children have to grow up and navigate their surroundings in order to survive. They cannot rely on their parents’ protection indefinitely. The most modern summer camp for kids in Fremont focuses on training them to make independent decisions, providing opportunities to solve problems on their own. These skills foster confidence and self-sufficiency, preparing them to become responsible citizens long after their time at the camp has ended.

 

6. Flexible And Adaptable Programs

 

Most summer camps typically feature one or more specific activities and design their entire programs around them. However, the lack of diversity in activities can sometimes fail to fully capture the attention of participating children. The curriculum of the renowned summer camp for kids in Fremont is structured flexibly to adapt to different circumstances, ensuring that the program remains engaging and dynamic for the children.

 

7. Get Your Kid Admitted Today

 

If you wish to ensure holistic development for your child, consider enrolling them in a summer camp. These camps offer a wide range of activities, including after-school online classes, martial arts, art lessons, comprehensive classes for Montessori kids, and many other programs. By participating in these diverse activities, you can be confident that your child will receive well-rounded development opportunities

How To Apply For Preschool Admissions? What Is The Process?

Is your little one ready to enroll in a preschool? Are you more excited about your kid joining a preschool than the kid? If so, you’ll have to keep the excitement at a halt and focus on the preschool admission procedure. Things can go otherwise and become a hassle if you aren’t prepared for the preschool admission process for your little one. However, knowing every step involved in preschool admission will clarify things and simplify the process for you. You may wonder why to worry so much about preschool admission. It’s just a Preschool! This is a misconception, as getting admission into the best preschool in California is quite competitive due to the increasing number of applicants. So, if you want the best for your little one and give them the best-in-class preschool education, start working on the application procedure today. With this article, you’ll learn all the steps involved in the preschool admission process and take a step closer to securing your little ones’ future.

 

Step 1: Fill Out an Inquiry Form

 

The preliminary step of a preschool admission process is filling out an online inquiry form on the preschool’s official website. In this form, you must fill out your name, email address, contact number, location (the preschool branch where you want to enroll your kid for admission), and a message.  In the message column, it’s best to write an application letter for preschool admission by addressing the principal or director of that preschool. Once done, the preschool admission office will email you follow-up guidelines. 

 

Step 2: Parent Visit Around The Preschool

 

The preschool will ask you to schedule a ‘parent visit’ tour around the preschool in the follow-up email. Visiting the preschool is crucial, as it helps you know whether the preschool environment and its teachers are best suited for your kid. Once you plan the parent visit, get the application form. However, the best preschools in California only provide a limited number of application forms. So, you must be extra cautious regarding the issuing dates. If necessary, contact the preschool admission office about the availability of the application form in advance

 

Step 3: Play-Date, A.K.A., Interview of Your Kid

 

Almost every preschool in America now asks parents to bring their kids for an interview. These interviews or meetings are more like a playdate for the kids. This is the second phase of the preschool admission process once your application is approved and accepted by the preschool. In this screening round, the preschool will check whether the kid’s behavior and cognitive skills are favorable and promising for their classroom ambiance. If your kid’s behavior is good, there won’t be any problem clearing this round.

 

Step 4: Background Check

 

This round of background checks is for you. In this stage of the application process, the preschool will want to know your employment status, where you live, income, qualifications, marital status, etc. Typically, they look for a stable income, a good educational background, and social status.

 

Step 5: Send a ‘First Choice’ Letter

 

It always gives you an edge when you submit the application form and a First Choice Letter. This letter assures the preschool that their seat won’t go empty at the end of the admission process. Thus, with this step, your kids’ chances of getting admission to preschool increase significantly.

 

Step 6: Evaluate The Preschool Environment & Pick a Suitable Session

 

If you like the philosophy, teachers, and environment of a specific preschool for your kid, you should apply for its afternoon batch. Why not the morning session, you may ask? Well, most parents choose morning sessions as their first preference. But when seats are unavailable in the morning session, these parents switch their preference to the next best option, the afternoon session. This is where you can get an edge over other applicants if your first preference is the afternoon session.

 

Final Words

 

A clear and precise idea of the steps involved in the preschool admission process will make things streamlined, seamless, and hassle-free. All you must do is pay attention to details, follow instructions, and act on time. If the preschool is in high demand, go for the smarter choices, like picking afternoon sessions as your first preference or sending a First-Choice letter. However, you must be sure whether your kid is ready for preschool. It’s their mental development that matters more than their biological age. So, with this comprehensive guide, you should have no difficulty with the preschool admissions process. Things will become hassle-free, and your kid will surely get enrolled in one of the best preschools in America.

 

FAQs

 

At what age should my kid enroll in preschool?

 

There’s no exact answer to what age your kids must start preschool. The average age of a preschool student ranges between three and five years. While some children need time, others get ready within seconds.

 

How to write the best formal letter for your kids’ preschool admission?

 

Use proper saluting when communicating with the preschool admissions faculty via a formal document. Use the name from the address area in the greeting.

 

What do you need to submit along with the application form?

 

With the application form, you may have to submit the following documents:

1. ID proof like your kids’ birth certification
2. Your proof of residency
3. Passport
4. Health records, including all immunization documents 

 

What will your kid learn from preschool?

 

The primary objective of leading preschool education is ensuring seamless emotional, mental, and physical development of your kid while they learn and acquire positive habits. The best preschools prepare your kid for the next level of primary education. Even more, many preschools in the US now welcome kids from disadvantaged environments and families to establish a common eco-space of development and education for them.

Why Is Parental Involvement Important In Early Childhood Education?

The first teacher of a child is their parents. And your kid starts learning at home. As a parent, you become your kid’s ‘hero’ or ‘role model’. This way, you play a crucial role in influencing and building their character. And as a role model, it’s your duty and responsibility to walk alongside your kid in their early childhood educational journey. As a parent, it’s your responsibility to encourage your kids to get better every day. Parental involvement in your kids’ early childhood education helps to create a good, long-lasting impact on their cognitive and academic skills. Your kid, in the long run, becomes academically better and more powerful if you, as a parent, guide and stimulate them from their days of early childhood education. This increases the chances of your kid excelling in their schooling and getting closer to the Ivy League.

 

However, many kids never get attention and care during their early childhood education. The busy lives of working parents keep them occupied all day. If you’re one such working parent, you’ll realize that your role is slowly limited to your home or your kids’ school activities. You might be wondering why we need to worry about our child’s education so much when there is a preschool for it. You’re mistaken. If you wish the best for your kid and would like to help them excel in school starting from day 1, understand the importance of parental involvement in their early childhood education and encourage them in many possible ways. In this article, you’ll discover why parental involvement is crucial for early childhood education. Also, learn your responsibility as a parent and how you constantly support your children. So, let’s get started.

 

Reasons Why Parental Involvement Is Crucial In Early Childhood Education:

 

As a parent, prepare yourself and your kid for this time to make things as smooth and easy as possible. Just because your kid now gets lessons from teachers doesn’t mean they don’t need you. Parents play a crucial role in enhancing their child’s cognitive abilities and overall learning phase during their early childhood. You will continue to be their role model as you assist them in becoming better individuals. There are several other ways in which parental involvement benefits your kid. All these benefits will help you realize and comprehend the importance of parental involvement in early childhood education.

 

👉Enhanced Academic Performance:

 

There’s no doubt in saying that parental involvement results in a significant boost in the kids’ academic performance and achievements. To be precise, active parental involvement, like asking your kid how their day was, resulted in a stronger impact on the kids’ performance than passive involvement, where you only talk when there’s an issue or concern. What you read today as ‘parental engagement’ is nothing but an active form of parental involvement. Regarding early childhood education, the earlier you start with parental involvement, the more likely it is that your kid will perform better and achieve more in academics.

 

👉Improved Student Behavior:

 

Not only do high scores, grades, or school attendance matter, but parental involvement also plays a crucial role in improving student behavior. The more involved the parent, the better the kids’ social and academic behavior. This will boost your kids’ self-esteem, improve their classroom conduct, and make them more well-behaved and disciplined. More and more parental involvement in their kids’ early childhood education means they will succeed in school with fewer or no behavior problems.

 

Note: Increased involvement of parents also boosts the performance of teachers. With seamless and quick communication with parents, preschool teachers can better determine what instruction to give the kid

 

Parental Involvement in Kids’ Early Childhood Education: How To Do So?

 

1. Communication Is Crucial:

 

Try to check in and talk with the kids’ preschool teachers daily. Ask basic things like, “What are my child’s strengths and weaknesses? Where does my child need to work, and how can I help? What is my kid learning now, and how can I add to the learning process with activities at home?

 

2. Go To All School Activities:

 

Whether it’s class presentations, school plays, or parent-teacher meetings, you must do your best to attend at least 90% of these school activities. This will help your kid feel the support they need. It will motivate and influence them to do even better.

 

3. Go To Short, Educational Trips with Your Kid:

 

From discovery centers and libraries to museums and zoos, take your kid on any trip where they can learn new things. If the preschool is currently teaching them about flowers, you can take the kid to a flower garden. This way, you help the kid apply the theoretical knowledge they gained in preschool to real-life scenarios. Practical applications of the knowledge will help them visualize things and retain that knowledge for the long run, or in some cases, forever.

 

4. Revising Things at Home:

 

You can help your child reinforce what they have learned in preschool at home. For instance, you can sing rhymes and songs based on the poem, story, or element they learned in class. The best preschool keeps parents updated about their child’s progress and what they have been learning in the current week or day. This helps parents like you take part in their kids’ learning journey by helping them re-learn what they have been taught at school.

 

Final Words:

 

Parental involvement in early childhood education will boost kids’ academic achievement by ensuring they receive the support they require to flourish. The more involved you are, the closer you get to your kid and the better their academic performance. So, choose the best preschool for your little one, follow the pointers mentioned here, and start getting more involved in your kids’ early childhood education, and watch them succeed rapidly.

 

FAQs

 

What is the best form of parental involvement?

 

An active form of parental involvement is the best form, as it ensures effective communication and engagement with your kid to help them grow and develop faster. Unlike the passive form, where you only talk when there’s an issue, the active form means asking your kid how their day was and other positive interactions.

 

When do you need to support your kid the most?

 

Going to preschool is the first step your little one takes outside of their comfort zone. It is their first time socially interacting with others and stepping out of their parents’ protective shadow. During this sudden and substantial transition phase in your kids’ lives, be their support system.

How Does Preschool Affect Child Development And Growth?

Are you planning to get your little child enrolled in a good preschool? Are you anxious and scared of how your toddler will cope with the separation from you? If this is the case with you, you must understand that a preschool can efficiently help your kid in physical, mental, social, and emotional development. Children learn much faster after joining preschool as they are exposed to letters, shapes, numbers, colors, etc. Besides, they also learn how to manage with other kids in school, to share and contribute.

What is Preschool Education?

 

Preschool programs are imparted to kids ages 3-5, providing them with excellent skills and knowledge. Such programs help with making children realize their self-worth and make them disciplined.

What are the Major Advantages of a Preschool Education?

 

The home is a child’s first school and the parents are the first teachers, “Gurus”. A structured environment is essential to learn and experience as a child continues to grow and develop, contributing to their holistic development. Preschools also develop attributes like awareness and respect, amongst other virtues. Children also develop other skills like listening, sharing, and caring. For the growing child, the left and right sides of the brain must be developed at the right time; hence preschools help develop the creative and the cognitive side.

Here are Some Benefits of Preschool

 

1. Professional & Well-Qualified Teachers:

 

Most preschool learning centers have qualified teachers trained socially to deal with children. With significant experience and expertise, they can make your child learn what is essential. Teaching children is complex, and preschool teachers have the patience to make them learn new things quickly. All teachers have excellent and engaging communication skills.

 

2. Proper Curriculum:

 

Best Preschools have a well-designed curriculum designed especially for small children. The curriculum is organized and exposes children to new information and knowledge, so they pick it up quickly. We know that small kids will not learn the alphabet or numbers through a tedious process. So, preschools use music and interactive and exciting videos to make the learning process a lot easier so that they can quickly learn.

 

3. Understand the Value of Education

 

A good preschool provides an environment where children learn new things differently. Additionally, children may learn through hands-on activities, including technologically advanced teaching methods like Smartboards. They crave learning at an early stage based on these activities.

 

4. Socialization

 

If you send your child to a good preschool, he or she will learn socialization skills. Children meet others of different ages and interact with them. This way, your child starts to socialize with other people.

 

5. Interactive Communication

 

Children in preschool learn interaction and develop confidence, so they walk out of their comfort zone and talk with new people. They are physically going out to the preschool and interacting with children of their age. It will help kids build confidence. They learn to communicate independently without their parents’ help, leveraging in many ways.

 

6. Understand Responsibility

 

Generally, children throw tantrums around their parents. Preschool teaches them a sense of responsibility and to be worthy of their surroundings. Besides, the child learns how to care for himself or herself and the people around him/her. A good Preschool can give kids a solid sense of discipline.

 

Affects of Preschool Programs on Children

 

According to many studies, children who have attended preschool programs are ready for elementary school, with excellent phonetic, reading, and social skills, and with improved vocabularies than those who do not attend. Therefore, sending your child to a preschool is a good decision as it incredibly helps in the academic and social development of the child. This also provides a foundation for learning academically and socially. Kids are more observant and curious and learn things very fast. Teachers use creative and effective teaching methods and tools to keep the children engaged.

 

Leading preschools prepare younger children to be ready for kindergarten challenges. They also focus on improving the learning skills which will make a toddler grow up soon. They provide the play time that a child deserves and offers education and fun at the same time. Preschool programs are play-based, and therefore learning is fun for the kids. A good preschool will allow your child to quickly adjust to the structured setting with other children, teachers, and school staff. Children will learn to follow instructions, teamwork, and other things here. The child becomes confident and has controlled motor skills developed that they raise their hand when asking or being asked something. Preschoolers should have this kind of experience before they start elementary school.

 

Preschool helps a child develop socially and emotionally. It is where he/she learns how to compromise, be humble, and be respectful towards others. A kid will understand the sense of self-respect, play with other students, share with others, explore, and build confidence, which is an excellent sign of child development. Kids in preschool are made independent. Additionally, how they eat food and use the restroom shows they can do such everyday things themselves. They learn small things such as setting food tables, keeping their belongings in the proper place, and so on.

 

How to Choose the Best Preschools Near You?

 

There are many preschools around you, but there are only a few best preschools near you. So before choosing one, parents should personally visit the preschool with their child to understand the environment. After all, it is the question of your kid’s development and safety. Preschool will build creativity in the children, which nurtures creative, all-rounded, and groomed people.

 

The benefits mentioned above of preschool learning and factors help your child’s physical, emotional, and mental development. Therefore, to increase these qualities of your little one, you need to admit your child to the best preschool in your area.

PRESCHOOL VS KINDERGARTEN – WHERE TO SEND YOUR KID?

 

As parents, we want to make sure our kids get opportunities to learn, grow, play, and develop properly. For this, most of us strive to provide our kids with the best learning and education opportunities – be it extracurricular classes, online classes, camps, preschool, after-school, etc.

 

However, with so many avenues available, it becomes hard to differentiate them from each other. For instance, one of the most burning questions we at NurtureKids have been asked by parents is the difference between preschool and kindergarten. Indeed, what is preschool vs kindergarten?

 

 

Both preschool and kindergarten in the US “seem to be” the basic education one should put their child through. However, there are underlying fundamental differences between preschool and kindergarten in the US. While the usage of each term varies from country to country, in the United States, here is what preschool means:

 

“An early childhood program offered to children before they begin compulsory education.” (Wikipedia, 2021)

 

 

A preschool program in the United States focuses on ensuring readiness within children aged 2-5 years old usually. The idea for preschool programs arises from the fact that the human brain can absorb bouts of knowledge and information during the ages of 2-5. With a proven emphasis on the importance of shaping a child’s mind during the first three years to create foundations, preschools can ensure long-term effects on improving learning outcomes for children.

 

Preschool education benefits children by allowing them ‘interaction’ and ‘playtime’, both of which are imperative to child development. With the US preschool system prioritizing individualism and independence as part of education, preschools can help set the building blocks to ensure kids are more empowered to make their own decisions. The belief behind this model is that ‘children’s play’ should be considered as their ‘work’, which allows them to fulfill their unique developmental needs as well.

 

 

The emphasis on ‘play’ within preschools also helps children engage in decision-making away from parents, and amidst strangers. As mentioned by Dr. Peter Gray, Boston College professor and an expert on the evolution of play and its vital role in child development, “playing with other children, away from adults, is how children learn to make their own decisions, control their emotions and impulses, see from others’ perspectives, negotiate differences with others, and make friends.” (Wikipedia, 2021)

 

With a low student-teacher ratio of 12 students per group, preschools focus on personal, social, economic, and emotional development through communication and play. Most preschools are fully or partially funded by state education agencies and are operated in schools or under the direction of state and local education agencies. Preschools are especially helpful for children with certain disadvantages in terms of their background, access to resources, etc.

 

 

On the other hand, kindergarten in the United States means the following:

 

“A preschool educational program to help children transition from home to school offered as part of compulsory education.”

 

A kindergarten program in the United States is usually part of the K-12 educational system and lasts for about a year for children aged 5. Translating from German to mean ‘garden for children,’ kindergarten emphasizes social skills and self-esteem and strives to develop an academic ability in children.

 

 

As the first formal step in education, kindergarten tends to be structured more formally compared to preschool. Children can begin to develop skills that revolve around numeracy, literacy, global awareness, culture, etc. – all of which prove detrimental in higher education. Education techniques do tend to be similar to preschool in that they involve more play and exploration methods. With the belief that the ‘play modes’ of kindergarten are likely to allow for more growth compared to the learning that takes place otherwise throughout the day, there is an increasing emphasis on a healthy mix of ‘play’ and didactic academic instructions, especially at all-day kindergartens. It is imperative to maintain a healthy balance for children to extract and grow properly.

 

Kindergartens offer a variety of options, from all-day instruction to a few hours on certain days of the week. The programs, while not as customizable as preschool programs, strive to provide options of learning that cater to the unique needs of each child. With most kindergartens in the United States following a ‘High/Scope Learning’ method, children engage in interactive activities that compel kids to take responsibility for their learning. An example of it would be the ‘plan, do, review’ approach followed by teachers alongside activities that are age-appropriate and initiate learning. This learning model also allows children to learn to freely interact with teachers and critically review the activities completed in large groups at the end of the day.

 

To sum it up, preschools are:

 

  • For children aged 2-5
  • ‘Building Blocks’ during a child’s first three years – most active learning years
  • Not a part of formal K-12 education but recommended
  • Focuses on ‘play’ and social interactions
  • Highly customizable

 

 

Whereas kindergarten is:

 

● For children aged 5
● First introduction to an amalgamation of play and academic learning for kids
● Part of formal K-12 education in most states across the United States
● Emphasis on self-awareness and responsibility through play and academics
● Offered with choice in time preferences (all-day, half-day) to cater to your child

 

Which one is the best for you and your child? Do comment below and let us know!

 

Sources:

 

Wikipedia contributors. “Preschool.” Wikipedia, 17 Oct. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preschool.
“Difference between Preschool and Kindergarten.” Preschool vs Kindergarten, www.differencebetween.info/difference-between-preschool-and-kindergarten. Accessed 28 Oct. 2021.

Hasa, By. “Difference Between Preschool and Kindergarten | Meaning, Usage in Different Countries.” Pediaa.Com, 7 June 2016, pediaa.com/difference-between-preschool-and-kindergarten.

“Kindergarten in the United States | K12 Academics.” K12 Academics, www.k12academics.com/school-grades/kindergarten. Accessed 28 Oct. 2021.

Tasner, Micheal. “Preschool vs. Pre-Kindergarten: Similarities and Differences.” The Pillars Christian Learning Center, 10 Jan. 2019, www.thepillarsclc.com/preschool-vs-pre-kindergarten.
Thompson, Van. “The Difference Between Pre-School and Kindergarten.” Classroom.Synonym, 5 June 2020, classroom.synonym.com/difference-between-preschool-kindergarten-12268721.html.

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HOW IMPORTANT IS ‘FUN’ PARENTING DURING COVID?

After an entire year of lockdowns and longings, the world is starting to shift gears to a sense of normalcy with the ending in sight. However, we are still merely approaching the end of COVID19, which means we need to be careful by following lockdown and social distance protocols to take care of ourselves and our younger ones.

With so much free time to spend with younger ones, many parents have indulged in activities and incentives to enhance relationships with kids and build healthy COVID19 habits that stay forever. This parenting style has proven successful in helping create and sustain a long-lasting and close relationship between kids and parents, and we at NurtureKids are excited to share some of the personal experiences and measures that you can inculcate in your relationships with your child.

ADDING THE ’FUN’ IN FAMILY TIME

Stuck in a fast-paced digital world where it is impossible to live without technology, it comes as no surprise that most people have become glued to their phones during the pandemic. And who can blame them? When one can get everything from the new ‘SpongeBob Squarepants’ episodes to the ‘Among Us’ games, it is hard to bring one back to the ‘human’ world where frustrations due to the pandemic lead to squabbles and fights with the family. However, Puran shared how he and his wife tackled this issue with their 8 yr-old, Elisa.

“She (Elisa) loves the TV, and she can sit in front of it all day. In her interactions with us, we could tell she was complaining a lot more about trivial things due to frustration, and TV wasn’t solving any of that. We decided to start playing small in-house activities based on the kind of storytelling present on the shows she watches. One day we would pretend to pack up to go to a hotel for the night, which was us packing up and moving across the house to sleep with her Grandma. Other times we would pretend like we were on MasterChef Australia and have cooking competitions in the kitchen since it is a show all of us watch together.” With Puran’s approach to parenting, Elisa’s mental health and well-being are prioritized. Elisa’s interests and whatever she associates as ‘fun’ are being redirected to include the image of a family. It is essential to associate the correct items to the word ‘family’ for your growing ones, and even more so during COVID19. At the end of the day, frustrations and anger felt due to COVID19 are valid, but your growing ones might be struggling with their frustrations and might need a lot of patience and involvement from your side to grow happily and healthily. Some other activities that might help your kid associate fun with the family are:

Cooking – Cooking is one of the activities kids are fascinated about a lot, and usually, you can trick them into thinking cooking is fun rather than it being a chore. Try to create fun recipes using physical recipe books with your kids, and make innovative things or some of their favorite food items. This will definitely help bring you closer. And if they don’t like cooking or aren’t interested in it, add an incentive or a day in the week where kids prepare the food. Just make sure they aren’t left in the kitchen alone! Here are some fun recipes to make with your kids – www.weelicioom/20-easy-recipes-to-make-with-your-kids/

Creating things together – Kids are fascinated by the idea of creating, drawing, or doing something that requires fewer efforts and a whole lot of paint! Create small crafts using origami paper, normal paper, a glue stick, and some paints, or assist your child in making a masterpiece on the canvas. You can also engage your kids in assembling furniture – make sure the sharp pieces are kept away. Here are some craft ideas for you and your younger ones – www.happinessishomemade.net/quick-easy-kids-crafts-anyone-can-make

Gardening – Nature is healing, and that stands true for kids as well! Get your kids their own shovel and watering can as you together embark on an adventure to weed out and grow vegetables, water the flowers, or start a garden from scratch. Here are some things you can plant with your kids as well as fun indoor and outdoor activities while gardening – www.almanac.com/gardening-kids

Game Day – Kids love games, and anyone loves a good competition. Engage in an Indoor Game Marathon day once/twice a week where kids get to compete for incentives such as less chore work, more allowance, etc. This will help create value for money as well as a habit of doing chores. You can refer to this list for innovative games that can be played in-house as part of this marathon.

Movie Day – Many kids love watching movies based on shows they watch but probably are picky when it comes to watching movies outside of that. But there are probably many movies you want to show your kids and lessons you want them to learn while watching. We propose watching a movie together as a family twice per week and having the kids choose one movie per week while the parents choose the other (try to choose a family movie). Here is a list of fun and meaningful family movies to show to your kid.

LEARNING AND FUN

We also need to make sure our kids are learning and growing through activities during this time. NurtureKids provides a holistic learning environment for kids to learn through innovative activities, fun assignments, and a staff dedicated to the cause. Classes are being conducted online and in-person, with all social distancing measures being followed. You can register for the upcoming Preschool online classes at join our Summer Camp for 2021 by registering. Watch this video to learn more about our Summer Camps https://youtu.be/CwaFUHZ4HBc! 

Join in next week to learn more about inducing COVID habits for your family

REFERENCES

  • Chitnis, Rutuja. “Top 40 Fun Indoor Games for Kids.” FirstCry Parenting, 29 Oct. 2020, parenting.firstcry.com/articles/top-40-fun-indoor-games-for-kids.
  • Heidi. “50+ Quick & Easy Kids Crafts That ANYONE Can Make!” Happiness Is Homemade, 18 Mar. 2021, www.happinessishomemade.net/quick-easy-kids-crafts-anyone-can-make.
  • Staff, E. “The 55 Essential Movies Your Child Must See (Before Turning 13).” EW.Com, 29 Jan. 2021, ew.com/article/2014/06/23/55-essential-movies-your-child-must-see-before-they-turn-13.
  • Sweetser, Robin. “Gardening With Kids: What to Plant and Fun Activities.” Old Farmer’s Almanac, 7 Apr. 2020, www.almanac.com/gardening-kids.
  • Weelicious. “20 Easy Recipes to Make with Your Kids.” Weelicious, 10 Apr. 2020, weelicious.com/20-easy-recipes-to-make-with-your-kids.

Photos 1 and 3 by August de Richelieu from Pexels.com

Photo 2 by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels.com

Photos 4 and 5 by RODNAE Productions from Pexels.com

Photo 6 by Allan Mas from Pexels.com

Written by:

Hanisha Dewan

Marketing Associate

GET YOUR KIDS TO DEVELOP CORRECT HABITS EASILY

Even though the world is at a standstill, your kids are not. They are still watching, observing, and learning from every little thing you and your family members do. It becomes imperative to monitor the kind of habits that kids are learning and how to ensure that kids are developing the correct habits.

In Part 1 of this blog, we talked about building a close relationship with your younger ones through fun activities. You can go check this blog right here: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:ugcPost:6801046615529529344?updateEntityUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_feedUpdate%3A%28*%2Curn%3Ali%3AugcPost%3A6801046615529529344%29

INDUCING CORRECT HABITS FROM THE START

Mandy, a parent of two kids, spoke about her childhood and how her parents always cared for her finances. As she grew up and left to go to college elsewhere, she struggled with handling money and the responsibility that comes with it. She said, “because I had a rough time, I wanted my kids to understand the value of money from the start so they can be careful with it,” and spoke about having a system of allowance as an incentive per task completed.

Based on Mandy’s approach, here are ways to induce good habits for kids’ developing years:

Allowance as an incentive – assign chores to make it easier for tasks to be completed. Upon completion, provide allowance and tell kids that they can spend as needed, but allowance will be limited. This will allow them to learn to be careful with how they spend their money. Here are some fun incentives to choose from – www.moms.com/10-ways-to-reward-your-kids-for-doing-chores/

Junk food/nutrition – Assign a day or two as ‘junk food day’ where you either make food at home together or order in. Other days ensure you are providing nutritious meals for your kids. In case your kids do not like eating their veggies or other healthy foods, here are some ways you can make their least favorite foods taste like their favorite ones – www.popsugar.com/family/photo-gallery/45076911/image/45076941/Ham-Mozzarella-Sticks

HABITS FOR THE FAMILY DURING COVID19

It becomes imperative to ensure safety from coronavirus, but with the U.S. opening up bit-by-bit, here are some measures you can take to ensure your family’s safety:

Store sanitizers in cars, purses, bags, even in all rooms – We tend to forget that the virus is still out there and might resort back to previous habits, but by thinking two steps ahead and prepping for the worst, you can prevent catching the virus to a large extent.

Keep a mask handy for each member in all cars – Don’t put yourself or your family in situations where, in expectation of a small crowd, you drive off without masks only to arrive at crowd levels that might harm your kid.

• For those still under a lockdown or maintaining proper distance, social involvement ensures that you and your family members speak to at least one person outside of immediate house members every day. This habit goes a long way and will prove fruitful for your child’s developing years, where socializing is a must.

• Meditation – Despite family time and activities, your family members can develop frustrations due to the lockdown, impacting their mental health adversely. This holds especially true for kids who do not understand their frustrations. To ensure peace of mind during the pandemic, try inducing meditation time. Meditation could last for as long as you want, with duration increasing per day. This will also help your kids develop a healthy habit that will prove fruitful as they grow up. Here are some meditations for your family and kid – www.chopra.com/articles/3-kid-friendly-meditations-your-children-will-love

To ensure your kids are learning and growing with healthy habits, if you are busy, NurtureKids can help! NurtureKids provides a holistic learning environment for kids to learn through innovative activities, fun assignments, and a staff dedicated to the cause. Classes are being conducted online and in-person, with all social distancing measures being followed.

You can register for the upcoming online classes for kids at https://wenurturekids.com/ or join our Summer Camp for 2021 by registering at https://wenurturekids.com/camps/summer-camp-2021-fremont-hub/.

Watch this video to learn more about our Summer Camps. https://youtu.be/CwaFUHZ4HBc! 

REFERENCES

  • Eisler, Melissa. “3 Kid-Friendly Meditations Your Children Will Love.” Chopra, 10 Feb. 2021, chopra.com/articles/3-kid-friendly-meditations-your-children-will-love.
  • McKenna, Kate. “Ham and Mozzarella Sticks | Healthy Versions of Junk Food For Kids | POPSUGAR Family Photo 2.” POPSUGAR Family, 23 Aug. 2018, www.popsugar.com/family/photo-gallery/45076911/image/45076941/Ham-Mozzarella-Sticks.
  • Persaud, Christine. “10 Ways To Reward Your Kids For Doing Chores.” MOMS, www.moms.com, 20 July 2019, www.moms.com/10-ways-to-reward-your-kids-for-doing-chores.

Photo 1 by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels

Photo 2 by Keira Burton from Pexels

Photo 3 by cottonbro from Pexels

Photo 4 by PNW Production from Pexels

Photo 5 by Anna Tarazevich from Pexels

Photo 6  by August de Richelieu from Pexels

Photo 7 by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Photo 8 by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels

 

Written by:

Hanisha Dewan

Marketing Associate for NurtureKids

 

Safety and Health Beyond the Pandemic

We have all seen the twenty-second videos of correctly washing your hands. Since the pandemic began, multiple agencies, celebrities, and organizations have focused their campaigns on the importance of washing hands and primarily directed at children. Countries like India went as far as to include a ‘wash your hands’ message whenever someone made a call. For the first time in most of our lives, something as necessary as washing hands gained prominence. But this also left many puzzled and wondering if the habit of washing hands was even a habit before the pandemic. The question does make you think. Why did such a simple habit become such a telling tale? Why do people need reminders? It also reinforces the idea that eventually, the pandemic will be behind us, but what we teach our children today will help them later in life should they face another phenomenon like this in life.

 

Habits are not acquired in a day. They are the result of doing the same thing diligently over many years. Our health and fitness depend on a variety of factors that include the food we eat, the activities we undertake, habits related to sleep time, and usage of electronic devices. How do children learn what to do? Do they start doing things if told to them? Do they need to be shown how to do it? Will they learn something if they don’t see a family member practice the same thing? Children are often like soft clay and can be molded into the character that you want them to develop. But can it be done by preaching alone? Well, yes and no. The old dictum ‘Practice what you preach’ applies here. Unless the children also see the same behavior pattern from family members, they are more than likely to take a different path sooner or later. It is essential to establish rules early on in life, have a routine, cultivate better-eating habits, and help them realize the importance of hygiene. Parents or guardians need to show how things are done. They need to sit down and talk with kids at different stages to explain to them the importance and why certain things are done the way they are. The awkward conversation is needed to establish an open channel of communication.

 

Everyday food choices will determine the health of kids later in life. As has been pointed out during this pandemic, obesity is one of the problems that could be disastrous for patients. Children must be taught the importance of eating healthy, and the easiest way to do is show them by example — cooking healthy foods at home. Don’t indulge in sugary drinks or sweets often. Fruits and veggies should be a part of an everyday diet. It is also important to teach kids the need for exercise. Spend time with them outdoors. Go on hikes, bicycle rides, and encourage outdoor playtime.

 

Most importantly, a sleep routine is what will ensure a healthy life. Children and adults should sleep and wake up at the same time every day. They should take the recommended hours of sleep according to their age. No electronic devices should be used primarily for children, at least two hours before bedtime. Children are quick learners and will adapt to anything as long as you can show them the benefits of leading such a lifestyle. Therefore, for any parent or guardian, they must lead by example in every sphere.

 

The pandemic will eventually be over. But should these habits continue beyond that? Absolutely. Good hygiene, food habits, active lifestyle can all mitigate our chances of getting infected or being severely affected. There is one more challenging aspect that children need to be taught if they have to survive another catastrophe like this. Teach them to think about the well-being of others along with their own. All these habits collectively will ensure a stronger future for our children and create a healthier generation.

The Post Covid-2019 Reality for Early Childhood Education and Afterschools

Change is the only constant in life or so they say and at no time in life have we been more challenged than now. Life as we knew turned upside down overnight. The day to day activites that most of us took for granted seemed like an exhaustive task and only got worse each day. As businesses began to close, it became more apparent that business owners had to drastically re-work their model to survive or perish in the flames of the pandemic. In the field of providing education to young impressionable minds, we ought to practice what we preach. Children at NurtureKids are taught at every step of the way to be curious, think out of the box, be fearless, and always tackle problems head on. They are also taught to never lose sight of their mission and always find ways to fulfill their goals. When we were faced with the same challenges, we decided to tackle it head on.

 

Primarily based in the Silicon Valley-the technology capital of the world, it was difficult to imagine that NurtureKids would face any problem in transitioning to the changing demands. But is it really that easy? Spread across the Bay Area and Sacramento, the brand consists of best preschools, afterschools and a Montessori school. Replicating the Montessori curriculum in an online model is a tedious task because it involves materials that are used in class and is hands on approach to teaching young minds. The mode of study is very specific to every kid and the progress they have made. There were many other challenges. For the kids aged 2-5 the online class did not seem like a feasible option. At that age, children lack focus and the ability to sit at one place. Their parents would have to be with them throughout the class. With everyone working from home, scheduling was going to be challenging. In all this chaos, there was one aspect that the entire team agreed on- we will find a way, and thus began the effort to streamline the online platform to continue to give the kids the education that we promised.

 

Three weeks into the online mode of education and we couldn’t have been more wrong about our fears. Children surprise you in myriad ways and they have taken to online learning like a fish takes to water. We have seen some budding artists coming up with their versions of the craft taught in class, dancers dancing their heart out, little chefs enjoying cooking in some Friday fun along with Math and English activites. Our teachers are improvising, doing some fun games during public speaking, picking recipes that will get the child excited, giving them a peek into summer months through craft and making sure that their interest isn’t lost. Most adults today have short attention spans and kids tend to get distracted easily. Add the distance learning model to the mix and it can be problematic, but with their unique approach the teachers have been able to help the kids enjoy and stay focused. The parents have supported us every step of the way and their support will be more crucial in the times ahead.

 

A lot of unknowns exist right now. The timeline of easing the shelter in place restrictions, once the economy opens will there be modified rules with physical distancing that businesses will have to follow. Will social distancing become a norm for the foreseeable future? No one has the answers yet, but everyone knows that the post Covid world will not be back to where we stopped just yet. Changes will have to be made. New guidelines will take shape. All educators will have to adapt to the new order. They will have to monitor children. After having stayed home for so long, there are bound to be changes in how they adjust back into routine. The responsibilities of early childhood education providers will not only double but will pose unique challenges every day. Getting kids adjusted to a routine, having them be at school every day, listen to instructions from teachers. A month or two is a long time to forget what they have practiced so far, and these will be some of the new challenges that education providers will face once the crisis eases and schools are allowed to open again. As long as these challenges are met with ideas and efforts, the transition will not be as daunting as it appears.

Nurture Kids Students Have a Field Day Shopping for their Favorite Things.

Have you ever stood in the aisle of a grocery store or any other store and wondered what to pick? Has price been on your mind while standing there? Did you have to go back and forth with the items you already picked? Did you fumble counting the change the cashier gave? A routine that so many of us go through daily, and it still doesn’t get old. What would happen when children walk into a store with a limited amount of money and the humongous task of saving a portion of it. The daunting task of counting the change at the cashier and coming back home with the things that parents would approve. So how did champions at Afterschool fare when they did something similar?  At Nurture Kids, there is a constant effort to push the envelope, encourage kids to try things out of their comfort zone, and give equal importance to extracurricular activities and academics. As part of these endeavors, the kids learning center organized a field trip on March 29th, 2019. Students at the Nurture Kids Afterschool Center located in Fremont Hub went to Target accompanied by their teachers with $15 and two clear instructions; they had to save $ 5 from their allocated budget and buy things only from the food and stationery section only.

 

For most people, the idea of a shopping trip with children involves tantrums, some tears, and the need to discipline in between picking items, and a constant battle at the cashier to add more products. This trip was anything but that. Every student who went on this trip understood what they were asked to do. For them, the exercise of having to choose an item from each aisle, check for prices, go back to pick another piece if it did not fit the budget, standing in line to get the article billed, and saving dollars from the budget of $15 was no mean feat. An exercise that adults consider a daily chore; for these students, it was an opening into the world of the buying power. A society that gave them exposure to the concept of choice, an idea so powerful that it leaves most adults perplexed. The ability to choose defines how situations in life will be handled and learning this at a young age through different experiences can be a powerful tool.

 

This field trip helped the students understand the power of money, and at the same time, it taught them the value. Their budget was limited, and in that limited budget, they were required to save, buy their favorite things and from two sections. The excitement on their faces, that feeling of being an adult for a brief period, the curiosity to go home and tell their parents, the happiness with having bought something on their own was infectious. Each student surveyed the aisles in the two sections, carefully checked for prices, debated on whether to buy the product or not, and how much should they save and then bought the products. They did not disappoint. Some of them saved more than $5 and went home with their prized possessions. The question that arises is that, was it the first time that they chose things on their own at a store? Maybe not. But their independence in making a choice, dealing with money is what stood out in this field trip. It may not have been a grand activity; but in little time, budget and resources it taught the kids how powerful the freedom to choose could be. It is these small lessons that will help them navigate through life’s situations when they grow up, and that is the aim of Nurture Kids. To create smart, aware, and confident citizens, who are ready to take on the world not just academically, but in every aspect.

Should we focus on building independence among kids early on in life?

Watching a potter work on his craft, as he slowly works his way on each line, the curve, and patiently gives the pot a distinct design. It is up to the potter to carve the design and give the shape he wants to. Children are like the pot that can be molded into the design that we want, to be the leaders that we envision them to be and take the rein of things into their own hands. The question that arises is how should we as educators, parents, and influencers work towards this and unlock their true capabilities? Will kids learn by preaching? Or will they learn if the adults in their life set an example of how to do it? It is widely known that even a toddler will learn more by watching an adult than being told what to do. If your toddler sees you eat sitting at the couch, he/she will probably want to do that. If they see you not picking up after you, they will do that.

 

One of the most important aspects of teaching a child to pick up some skills is to be a good listener when they are talking. A child may not always make sense, may ask questions that annoy or are repetitive, but in being a good listener an example is being set on what is expected of them in the future. One of the most simple but important aspects of building independence is teaching online classes for kids to have empathy and that comes from being a good listener. The only way to teach them how is to do it with them. Talk to them, discuss with them, ask them questions, ask them why do they have a certain opinion and be open to listen to their justification.

 

There are many things that a parent or an educator will have to challenge to dispel notions that kids have, to help them understand how things work and that stereotypes can be damaging. In a class at Nurture Kids, one of the kids made a statement that only men are rich. In situations like these our response is to generally negate the statement. But we took a different approach. We asked the kids to think of women who have made a name for themselves, what do they do and to write a little snippet about it. The results were phenomenal. We not only had a healthy discussion in class, they learned about so many influential women and they changed their opinion. Would this have the same effect if we told them no it’s not true? Probably not.

 

The ‘how’ of doing things is very important when teaching kids to be independent. But can you teach them independence at an early age? Absolutely. A child’s brain develops through their everyday experiences and the sooner you teach them to be independent, the faster they will learn. At Nurture Kids we emphasize on developing skills that help children as young as 2-4-year old’s be independent to do their daily chores. How do we do it? Through the motor skills curriculum where we teach them how to wear a jacket, how to fold clothes, how to pour things from one vessel to another and so many activities like these. These activities imbibe in them good hand eye coordination, decision making, and make them independent.

 

Another activity that we emphasize on at Nurture Kids is public speaking for all age groups. We talk about public speaking in their day to day life and not just for stage appearances. Teachers use different games, storytelling sessions, and even appearances on Radio shows with kids to discuss different topics. These experiences help them improve their confidence, be better speakers, and learn how to present themselves which is an important facet of independence. Children grasp things fast and are very curious, and it is the duty of the parents and educators to fuel their curiosity.

 

With programs like Entrepreneurship, it gives us an opportunity to teach the kids to think out of the box, be a problem solver, unleash creativity and be innovators. This allows us to get the kids out of boredom and channelize their energies towards constructive pre k programs. Through taekwondo kids are taught self-defense which is a very critical component of independence. The programs are tailor made to give the children an exposure to all facets of growth and let them carve their own path.

 

Give those wings to kids and see how they make you proud. They have a reserve of maturity, curiosity, and if pointed in the right direction children can work wonders.

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