What Does it Mean to Care?

Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/what-does-it-mean-to-care/5022282/

Child Care vs. Preschool

A parent approached me a couple of years ago and explained in an apologetic tone that she was pulling her daughter out of our accredited campus child care center to put her in a “real school.” Yes, “real school” is what she said. I mustered up all my professionalism, put aside my pride, and proceeded to inquire about her decision. We had a good conversation. She explained that although she loved our program for her toddler and appreciated how happy her daughter was learning through play, she wanted her to have a different experience as a preschooler. She chose a neighborhood preschool where there was an academic curriculum to help her prepare for kindergarten. The parent and I talked about:

• all the names of programs we hear in our field �" nursery school, preschool, daycare, and child care �" and how confusing they can be.
• what it means to be ready for kindergarten and about the pressure kids and parents feel.
• the difference between academic skills and intellectual growth.

The parent did enroll her daughter in the nursery school, but within a couple months she was back with us; and we were happy to have her ...