| Preschool is an optional school | | | | engage the preschooler and offer lessons |
| experience designed for children at | | | | through these playful avenues. |
| least two and a half years old, up until | | | | Physical activities, such as ball play, |
| the age of five when they enter | | | | foster hand-eye coordination and gross |
| kindergarten. While some preschool | | | | motor skills, writing games sharpen fine |
| programs are offered through the public | | | | motor skills, card games help to |
| school system, most are offered through | | | | encourage memory retention, and games |
| private or religious institutions. Such | | | | focused on books instill a love of |
| programs generally offer a play-based | | | | reading and language. Preschool |
| curriculum that prepares children for | | | | teachers, in many cases, are extremely |
| the school environment. Preschool | | | | involved in the development of the |
| teachers facilitate this experience for | | | | curriculum - incorporating ABC's, math, |
| children in their classroom. | | | | social sciences, and history through |
| Preschool teachers are crucial to a | | | | learning games. Today's modern preschool |
| successful preschool experience. For | | | | teachers also have the computer at their |
| many children, preschool colors the way | | | | disposal; computer games designed for |
| that they forever look at school; it is | | | | preschoolers teach a variety of |
| this first experience that should foster | | | | fun-filled lessons through the use of |
| a lifelong love of learning and an | | | | color, sound, and interactive games. |
| overall sense of comfort and achievement | | | | Qualifications for preschool teachers |
| within the preschool environment. | | | | vary according to state however |
| Preschool teachers will often take basic | | | | accreditation in some capacity is |
| concepts and incorporate them into play. | | | | unilaterally required. State regulations |
| Children at this age learn through play | | | | dictate the level of education preschool |
| concepts that incorporate all of their | | | | teachers must have. But ultimately, the |
| senses. While they are having fun and | | | | most important qualification for |
| practicing essential social concepts - | | | | preschool teachers is the ability to |
| being respectful of each other, taking | | | | instill a joy of learning that stays |
| turns, etc. - they are unaware that they | | | | with their young students for a |
| are even absorbing educational concepts. | | | | lifetime. |
| Effective preschool teachers are able to | | | | |