Preschool

Classrooms and Ratios

Preschoolers thrive in a consistent and predictable environment

• We establish clear routines for preschoolers.
• We create a classroom environment where children know what to expect and what is expected of them.
• We give children ample transitional warnings so they know what is coming next.
• Children have the opportunity to make choices, whenever possible.
• When appropriate, teachers and children work together to create a list of guidelines for behavior for the classroom. This allows the children to feel a sense of ownership of the classroom and their own behaviors and gives them a clearer understanding of what is expected of them.

Preschoolers test boundaries

• Children at this age begin to test boundaries as they continue to learn about their social and physical world.
• This may lead to conflicts between play partners or behaviors that are not appropriate for the classroom.
• We create boundaries with preschoolers, giving a feeling of safety and security for children.
• We point out the natural consequence of a choice, and talk with children about what they might do differently next time to avoid such a consequence.

We use natural and logical consequences

• Teachers have realistic expectations for preschool children based on their developmental age.
• We may set a logical consequence with a preschooler who has already learned the skills necessary in a given situation.
• We understand the importance of following through with consequences, as well as the importance of empathizing with a child who does not choose to change their behavior that there will be a consequence.