As a parent, you do a lot to support your child’s growth and learning each day. Finding high-quality early learning programs is essential to help your child thrive in the first five years of life.
Young children thrive when they have care and enrichment during their earliest years. Safe care is essential, but hands-on learning and play-based fun are also crucial.
Early learning centers provide supportive, nurturing care and education for young children. A learning center offers more than just daycare. It also provides programs that focus on school readiness and Kindergarten success.
If you have a young child, you may want to learn more about early learning programs in Pinellas County. Reach out to the caring educators at New Horizons Private School now to learn about our programs. You may also ask questions or schedule a tour of our incredible center.
What is a Learning Center?
A learning center is a facility that offers a range of early education programs. Many early learning centers in Florida offer preschool and voluntary pre-kindergarten programs (VPK).
Some people think that daycare centers and learning centers are the same thing. However, early learning centers focus on preparing children for school.
A learning center’s programs will use a time-tested curriculum. Teachers and staff at a learning center typically have specialized training in education and child development. They understand how to create engaging educational programs that prepare children for school.
Early learning centers often use a play-based approach to learning. Research shows that children learn more and retain information from hands-on learning.
You can enroll your child in an early learning center with confidence. You will know they are getting high-quality, nurturing care in a developmentally appropriate environment.
What are the Benefits of an Early Learning Center?
Early learning centers can help kids build a solid foundation of knowledge and skills. This foundation may help them thrive in Kindergarten and throughout elementary school.
Here are some of the other benefits of choosing a learning center.
Confidence
A learning center provides different early education programs. Your child may begin in a preschool class and then transition into a VPK for the year before kindergarten. During preschool in Pinellas County, they may see other children “graduate” into VPK. This big change can become an exciting milestone instead of something to feel anxious about.
Young children may feel more confident beginning VPK in a familiar location. They may keep their friendships and feel comfortable with the familiar educators from the learning center.
Consistency
Because a learning center offers several programs that span the early years, your child may remain in a familiar location throughout their earliest years. This consistency can feel comfortable and reduce anxiety during transitions.
Consistency is also a benefit for parents. Instead of researching new early learning programs as your child grows up, you can continue to send them to the same center until the start of Kindergarten.
Enrichment
It’s important to trust that your child will be safe any time they are away from home. Safety is a priority at all childcare centers, including early learning centers.
However, early learning centers provide extra educational opportunities and enriching activities that can prepare children to excel in Kindergarten. The curriculum at an early learning center focuses on:
- Social-emotional skills, such as emotional regulation, empathy, and recognizing feelings
- Pre-literacy skills, including letter recognition, letter sounds, and enjoying stories
- Pre-math skills, such as number recognition, counting, and simple logic skills
An early learning center offers the safe, nurturing care all children need. It also offers a curriculum that can help them make a smoother transition into Kindergarten.
How to Choose an Early Learning Center in Pinellas County
If you live in St. Petersburg or anywhere in Pinellas County, you will find a wide range of early education programs. Finding the right one may seem overwhelming. So, how can you find the right early learning center for your child?
Here are some things to consider when choosing a learning center in Pinellas County.
Educational approach
Research a center’s educational approach. Does the program include plenty of hands-on learning? Do children spend time playing outdoors? Look for a play-based program that focuses on developmentally appropriate education.
Effective curriculum
The center should follow a curriculum that can help prepare children for school. The curriculum must include activities that support early literacy, math, and social-emotional skills.
A reliable schedule
A regular schedule is essential. Children do best when they follow a predictable routine that meets their needs for play, enrichment, rest, meals, and transitions between activities.
Great teachers
Early childhood educators should have education and training that helps them meet young kids’ developmental and emotional needs. They should also be patient, welcoming, and easy to communicate with.
Reach out to the team of educators at New Horizons Private School now to learn about our programs. We also welcome you to tour our facility and meet our staff. Contact us now with questions or to arrange a visit.
