All About Developmental Preschools

Basic Philosophy

Many child development experts believe that a high-quality preschool program should emphasize play as an enriching activity, rather than viewing it as what children can do to relax between lessons.

Children learn a lot when playing, especially if they have well-trained teachers who know how essential play is to learning. A skilled teacher can guide a child’s play and cultivate her interests through activities that teach content and build basic skills.

What Makes Developmental Preschools Special?

At this age, harnessing the innate interests of a preschooler through play is much more effective in teaching skills and content than forcing her to sit still and pay attention. Some studies have even shown that if a teacher tries to direct learning too much at this age, it can weaken a child’s motivation to learn. In fact, researchers are discovering many connections between playing and learning.

For example, play:

• Teaches a child to see things from another’s point of view.
• Gives a child the opportunity to think abstractly and imaginatively.
• Allows a child to test ideas about people and situations.
• Develops language skills.
• Promotes social skills.

Pretending is also associated with early development in literacy and math skills. A child might learn to write the letters in her name while pretending to be an office worker or a “big kid” in school. A child who is innately interested in play acting in this way may be motivated to read and write early.

A Typical Daily Routine

The term developmental preschool broadly describes a philosophy that is the opposite of academic preschools. Because many different kinds of preschools exist within the category of developmental preschool, it’s impossible to describe a typical daily routine, except that it will include plenty of play as opposed to direct instruction.

In a developmental preschool, children will choose activities that interest them. For example, in imaginative play, a child might explore what it’s like to be an animal or a person from a storybook. He might develop his language skills by telling stories of his own creation to playmates and teachers. A budding architect may build forts and cities with blocks or clay. Common preschool play activities help children learn skills, such as how to hold crayons, use crafts, create stories, or negotiate roles in dramatic play.

Developmental Preschools Are a Good Choice for Children Who …

Play-based preschools, as opposed to academic preschools, are good for children who:

• Enjoy playing in groups and are very social.
• Need the freedom to follow their interests.
• Prefer flexibility in their day
• Have a hard time sitting still for long periods of time.

Learn more about other types of preschools:

• All About Montessori Preschools
• All About Waldorf Preschools
• All About Reggio Emilia Preschools
• All About High/Scope Preschools
• All About Head Start Preschools