Learn about different preschool philosophies, and what makes each unique: How does Montessori differ from Waldorf? What is Reggio-Emilia? Parents learn which education styles may be best suited for their own child.

1. Starting Your Preschool Search WEBINAR SERIES
brought to you by
Preschool
Philosophies

2. #preschool101@kidadmit
What we will cover today:
ü Become familiar with different types of preschool
philosophies
ü Learn the main differences between each
teaching approach
ü How to evaluate a good match between preschool
types and your child
ü What your choice means within the bigger picture
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3. #preschool101@kidadmit
Who We Are
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Search
Thousands of
Preschools
Compare
Your
Favorites
Apply
Directly to
Schools

4. 4
Susan Mees
susan@kidadmit.com

5. #preschool101@kidadmit
Some Webinar Ground Rules
• If you have questions, please enter them into
the question or chat box in GoToWebinar
– We will address them during our Q&A period at the end
of the webinar
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• We’ll be using the hashtag #preschool101 on twitter to
share facts and information from the webinar – please
Retweet them or use the hashtag to share information you
find interesting
• If you have technical difficulties during the webinar, please
let us know in the GTW chat box

6. #preschool101@kidadmit
Poll question
How many of you are
actively searching for
preschools right now?
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7. #preschool101@kidadmit
What is a Preschool “Philosophy”?
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• Refers to the educational approach of the school
• Reflects beliefs about how children learn
• Guides the teaching and interaction methods
between teacher and child
• Many preschools are a blend, combining
elements of different philosophies

8. #preschool101@kidadmit
“Child-Centered” vs. “Teacher-Led”
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less
structured
more
structured
• Teachers follow a set
curriculum
• Pre-planned schedules &
activities, routine-based
• Kids do certain activities in
certain ways, usually as a
class at the same time
• Kids choose their own
activities, lots of free play
• Children allowed to learn
at their own pace
• Learning activities arise
out of students’ interests
Play-­‐Based
Academic

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10. Academic

11. #preschool101@kidadmit
Academic/Traditional
Approach: Teacher-Led
Guiding Concept: Academically prepare children for
kindergarten
Teacher’s Role: Plan curriculum, guide students in prepared
class activities
Characteristics: Highly structured, very routine-based
Focus on more formal learning (letters,
numbers, colors, shapes) and classroom
etiquette (raising hands, following directions)
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12. #preschool101@kidadmit
Academic Classrooms
• Looks much like a kindergarten classroom. Structure of
the day is also very similar–play takes place at
designated times
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• Classroom is designed to support development of
specific skills – colorful posters illustrating shapes or
colors, telling time, letters of the alphabet
• Often items around the room are labeled to reinforce
pre-reading skills
• Children often work at small tables, sometimes with
designated spaces

14. #preschool101@kidadmit
Well Suited For:
• Children who do well in a structured environment, have
longer attention spans
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• Kids who are able to sit and stay
focused for longer periods, and who
can take direction well
• Families who wish to instill early
academic learning in preparation for
kindergarten, with less emphasis on the
social-emotional side

15. Play-Based

16. #preschool101@kidadmit
Play-Based (aka “Progressive”)
Approach: Child-Centered
Guiding Concept: Children learn best through play
Teacher’s Role: Support students’ interests, encourage
exploration, promote communication &
cooperation
Characteristics: Most common preschool type in U.S.
Strong emphasis on developing social skills
for kindergarten (sharing, collaboration,
making good choices, solving problems)
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17. #preschool101@kidadmit
Play-Based Classrooms
• Stations throughout the classroom with variety of
open-ended activities (reading nook, water table,
science area, home/kitchen play)
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• Class comes together at certain times of
the day (circle time, snack time, nap time)
• Can seem chaotic and noisy, with
children freely playing and exploring
much of the school day

19. #preschool101@kidadmit
Well Suited For:
• High-energy children who do best when active
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• Social butterflies/enjoy making friends
• Those who do well within noisier, more
boisterous atmospheres
• Families who are open to a less
structured learning environment that
supports children learning at their own
pace

20. #preschool101@kidadmit
In A Director’s Words:
“A play based program allows 1-3 hours of
uninterrupted play time in which children are self
directed. The focus is on development of social skills
and independence.
Children learn better through play than through an
adult directed approach.”
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21. Montessori

22. #preschool101@kidadmit
Montessori
Approach: Child-Centered
Origins: Based on teachings of pediatrician
Maria Montessori in Italy in early 1900’s
Guiding Concept: Learning is a child’s work
Teacher’s Role: Specially-trained to act as guides–demonstrate,
then observe
Characteristics: Strong focus on independence and developing
mastery as students learn how to make their
own choices, problem-solve
Emphasis on learning practical life skills (e.g.,
cleaning up after themselves)
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23. #preschool101@kidadmit
Montessori Schools
• 1,300 member schools in the U.S., with additional schools
that are “Montessori-inspired” rather than using strictly
Montessori methods
– Schools can call themselves “Montessori” without having specific
affiliation with national organization
• Guiding organizations:
– American Montessori Society (AMS)
• AMS member schools more strictly follow the Montessori
method
– Association Montessori Internationale (AMI)
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24. #preschool101@kidadmit
Montessori Classrooms
• Classrooms are mixed-age (2.5 – 6 yrs), where older
students help mentor younger students
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• Calm, orderly environments that have been prepared
around specific areas: language, math, sensory, cultural,
life skills
• Children work with “manipulatives”/toys designed to be
used in specific ways and that encourage self-correction
(mistakes are clear so child can figure out solutions, as
with a puzzle)
• Often children are working independently as they develop
mastery over new skills

27. #preschool101@kidadmit
Well Suited For:
• Children who do better in calmer environments and do
well playing/working independently
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• Those who have longer attention spans and are able to
follow directions
• Families who prefer
more of an
academic emphasis
combined with
freedom for
children to work at
their own pace

28. Reggio Emilia inspired

29. #preschool101@kidadmit
Reggio Emilia Inspired
Approach: Child-Centered/community based
Origins: Created after WWII by teachers &
families of Reggio Emilia, Italy
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Guiding Concept: Each child has an innate curiosity and potential,
which drives learning
Teacher’s Role: Collaborators with students, actively involved in a
fluid learning process for both student & teacher
Characteristics: Project-based curriculum guided by the interests
of the children
Emphasis on exploration and discovery
Community-based approach, including more
parent involvement

30. #preschool101@kidadmit
Reggio Emilia Inspired Schools
• Outside of the town of Reggio Emilia, it’s referred to as
a Reggio “inspired” approach
• No prescribed method involved or defining set of
requirements by a certifying organization
• Inspired by the principles of collaboration–learning as a
community effort, while honoring the individuality of
each child
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• Guided by the “Hundred Languages of Children”,
i.e., encouraging children to use their many
modes of expression (“languages”) in their
development

31. #preschool101@kidadmit
Reggio-Inspired Classrooms
• Classroom environment is considered the “3rd teacher”
– Bright, filled with natural & organic materials
– Designed to provoke curiosity, encourage interaction
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• Open-ended materials support further
exploration
• Include an “Atelier” (mini art studio) area,
since art is valued as an important part of
every project
• Walls become “documentation panels” to
chronicle learning & progress

34. #preschool101@kidadmit
Well Suited For:
• Children who enjoy hands-on activities, exploration,
and/or are creatively inspired
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• Kids who work well with others in a highly-collaborative
& social environment
• Families who want to be more involved in the
classroom and prefer to see their child’s
progress well documented

35. Waldorf

36. #preschool101@kidadmit
Waldorf
Approach: Child-Centered
Origins: Developed by philosopher Rudolf
Steiner in Stuttgart, Germany
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Guiding Concept: Nurture the child as a “whole”: Heart, Hands, Head
Teacher’s Role: Acts as a role model–demonstrates instruction for
kids to learn through imitation (in early years)
Characteristics: Emphasis on imaginative play, creativity, and
cooperation with other students
Set structure & routines (creates rhythm & predictability
Academics are not included–no reading or writing
Artificial materials & technology are discouraged

37. #preschool101@kidadmit
Waldorf Schools
• Schools must be part of a Waldorf association to use
the Waldorf name
• Teachers must complete 2-year training to become
certified to teach in the Waldorf method
• Approx. 150 Waldorf schools in North America
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38. #preschool101@kidadmit
Waldorf Classrooms
• Homelike environment filled with natural materials
(wood, wool, shells, stones, pinecones) to stimulate
imaginative play
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• Won’t see writing materials or books–storytelling, singing,
& movement (“eurhythmy”) used for expression
• A class grows together as a cohort–has the same teacher
for 3 years at a time
• Nurturing environment encourages children to role play
and use their minds creatively–families are strongly
encouraged to extend the no-technology principles at
home

40. #preschool101@kidadmit
Well Suited For:
• Creative, imaginative children who love to pretend-
play, make art, dance, sing, and enjoy group activities
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• Families who wish to preserve the
magic and security of childhood in
the preschool years
• Families who are comfortable with
little or no screen time or
technology in their home

41. #preschool101@kidadmit
In A Director’s Words:
“We focus on growing the imagination, social capacities,
and artistic free play. Formalized instruction in writing
begins in first grade. There is a home-like atmosphere in
the nursery and kindergarten with an emphasis on
working with the whole family through festivals and
developing a rhythmical daily experience for the child.”
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42. Co-op/Parent Participation

43. #preschool101@kidadmit
Co-op/Parent Participation
Defined: Administered by parents in the community;
Parents select the teachers, curriculum, and
activities
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Guiding Concept: Usually play-based, but may incorporate any
philosophy; Emphasis on cooperation &
resolving conflicts
Teacher’s Role: Supervises classroom activity
Characteristics: Often less expensive than traditional
preschools
Parents involved in all aspects of the school
(administratively & in classroom)
Typically part-time

44. #preschool101@kidadmit
Co-op Classrooms
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• Community-like feel
• Busy with parents rotating
among different roles to help
children with activities, guide
cooperation with others
• Classrooms often have
different stations for kids to
play (rice table, play kitchen,
arts & crafts area, etc.)

46. #preschool101@kidadmit
Well Suited For
• Active children who enjoy socializing with other kids
• Parents with more flexible schedules who are looking
for a more affordable preschool option
• Families who want to take an active role in the school,
work closely with the teachers, and be able to see how
their children are developing in a learning environment
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47. #preschool101@kidadmit
Additional Program Types
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48. #preschool101@kidadmit
NAEYC
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• Stands for National Association for Education of Young
Children, a professional membership organization that
works to promote high-quality learning for all young
children (birth through age 8)
• Has been offering accreditation to early childhood
programs for 30 years
• To receive accreditation, centers must complete a four-
step process including an in-person visit to ensure
compliance with NAEYC criteria

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NAEYC Requirements
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• No physical punishment, psychological abuse, or coercion
• Completion of pediatric first-aid training/CPR
• Sleep and supervision requirements for infants
• Administrator qualifications
• Program needs to be licensed and in good standing

50. #preschool101@kidadmit
Universal Preschool/Preschool for All
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• Initiatives to bridge the learning gap by increasing
availability of early childhood learning to under-served
populations throughout the U.S.
• In California, First 5 helps parents to uncover programs
that receive funding specific to the Universal Preschool/
Preschool for All initiatives
Preschool Development Grants: 18
states have new federal funding to expand
reach to 200+ high-need communities.
Winning states will enroll over 33,000
additional children under age 4.
Head Start: Programs designed for
lower-income households that
provide services to foster children’s
growth and monitor progress to
ensure readiness for kindergarten

51. #preschool101@kidadmit
Transitional Kindergarten/Pre-K
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The first year of a two-year kindergarten program that uses a
modified kindergarten curriculum that is age and
developmentally appropriate
- Often seen as part of public school districts
- Geared towards children who are not emotionally/academically
ready to enter a traditional kindergarten program
- Good fit for students who are just shy of age requirements for
kindergarten
- Offers more structure and academics than typical preschool
programs
- Helps children prepare for kindergarten and elementary education

52. #preschool101@kidadmit
The Bigger Picture
• There is no “one” school that is best for every child
• Most children will do well in a high quality
preschool, regardless of the philosophy
• Look for schools where you think your child will
grow, stretch, and thrive based on his/her unique
personality
• Visiting the schools is the best way to get a feel for
the environment (observe a class if you can)
• Talk to the preschool director about their school’s
individual educational approach

53. #preschool101@kidadmit
& Your Preschool Search
• Take the Quiz for recommendations
on which preschool type may be a
good fit
• Search by YOUR location & criteria
• Save your top choices & compare
requirements, deadlines, and features
of these schools
• Find Open House & tour dates
• Apply directly to schools online
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54. Questions?

55.
info@kidadmit.com
415-890-5430
@kidadmit
Facebook.com/kidadmit
Thank you!