As a new mother, when it came time to consider preschool, I was under the impression that readiness meant they could identify letters or numbers and the ability to sit quietly when directed.
One of the most crucial things I’ve learned is that emotional readiness is just as important. The first sign I noticed in my daughter was her desire to be more independent, from putting on her own shoes to insisting on carrying her own backpack. The evidence that she was becoming more confident was clear as day; she was beginning to trust herself more.
Another important sign was her interest in other children, her curiosity in making friends, and her eagerness to share toys with others. Even when there were disagreements, we learned they were opportunities for growth as she learned to express herself.
Third, her ability to recover from what we call “big feelings” displayed opportunities for growth as she learned to express herself.
The fourth, and really big, sign for me was her reliance on familiar routines: enforcing routines inspired by Celebree School of Stafford improved her mood and ability to feel balanced when she knew what to expect next in the day.
Lastly, her willingness to try new things became a strong indicator, as she enjoys trying new activities or engaging with other children.
At Celebree, natural emotional development is supported throughout their entire day, and the way teachers guide children through challenges with patience has really allowed my child’s curiosity to safely develop.
