Early Childhood Education Philosophies
● MONTESSORI ● REGGIO EMILIA ● WALDORF ● PLAY-BASED ● FOREST ●
Choosing the right preschool for your child can feel like an overwhelming responsibility, especially for first time parents.
While preschool is the first brick in the educational foundation, it isn’t as “make-or-break” as it may seem. When shopping for programs, many parents feel pressure to choose the “perfect” one. In this post, we explore 5 common preschool philosophies: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, Play-Based, and Forest, and while philosophies can help guide our search, we recommend focusing on the needs of the child and family rather than a specific preferred methodology. If you’re still unsure, consider the following:
Schedule: Find a program that fits the needs of your family. Do you need before or after care? Do you want your child to attend daily or a few times a week? Do you prefer a year-round program or a school-year program? Ease of scheduling is an important factor when choosing a program, so take time to understand the program’s calendar and hours of operation.
Affordability: Make sure your family can comfortably afford the program. Expensive, well-funded programs can be tempting, but if they don’t fit the family budget they come at the expense of financial stability. Financial stressors can be a significant source of discord in a family unit and should be avoided when possible. A less flashy suitable alternative may feel like a disservice, but quality programs can exist without an exorbitant budget.
Proximity: Consider commute and community. Do you want your child to attend a program close to your job or close to your home? Is a short commute important to you? Local community preschools offer the benefit of convenient sustainable friendships, but more distant options may offer a better fit for the family.
Safety: Inquire about teacher credentials and program standards. Licensed programs have an oversight body that holds them to specific health and safety regulations. It can be helpful to see if programs have any infractions before enrolling your child.
Personality: How does your child learn best? Some children thrive in structured environments with clear routines, while others may benefit from a more play-based, exploratory approach. If you’re not sure, see if the program will allow you and your child to do a trial day or observe a class.
There are lot’s of ways to “do” early childhood education, but the best predictor of social, emotional, and academic achievement is confidence! So, regardless of philosophy-specific approaches to learning, find a program where your child will be content and build self-efficacy.
Here are some helpful ways to identify a reputable program:
Tour the school and ask about teacher-student ratios, the qualifications of the staff, and the mission of the curriculum.
Observe the classroom and pay attention to teacher-student interactions and the culture of the classroom.
Seek recommendations by talking to teachers, other parents, librarians, pediatricians, etc.
Check reviews to gain insight into the program’s reputation.
Our recommendation?
We know that kids learn best when they are safe, comfortable, and supported. Find an early childhood education program that prioritizes the well-being of their students, and the learning skills will fall into place.
What if my child utilizes unique accommodations?
If your child requires accommodations for emotional, behavioral, developmental, physical, and/or cognitive concerns, your priorities regarding preschool selection may be more nuanced. When feasible, we always recommend that parents seek guidance from a licensed professional (pediatrician, child therapist, speech pathologist, occupational therapist, social worker, etc.) to help them find appropriate supportive placement for their child.
This varies by state and school district, but many schools offer free public early childhood education options for kids with emotional, behavioral, developmental, physical, and/or cognitive concerns. Regardless of whether or not your child is currently enrolled in a public school, reach out to your local district and inquire about evaluations, testing, and early intervention support services.
Montessori
THEORY: Child-centered learning that emphasizes hands-on, self-directed activities in a prepared environment. Teachers act as guides rather than traditional instructors.
HALLMARKS: Mixed-age classrooms, individualized learning plans, and specially designed educational materials
Reggio Emilia
THEORY: Child-led learning that emphasizes a respectful and thoughtful approach and utilizes the classroom environment as the “third teacher.” Learning is driven by student interests.
HALLMARKS: Collaborative group work, creative problem-solving, and artistic expression
Waldorf
THEORY: Holistic learning that emphasizes imaginative play, storytelling, and practical activities. Students stay with the same teacher from preschool through 8th grade.
HALLMARKS: Natural materials, creative expression, focus on rhythm and repetition, and delayed formal academics
Play-Based
THEORY: Engagement-centered learning that emphasizes play as the primary way children learn about the world. Activities are designed to be fun and captivating.
HALLMARKS: Structured play, free play, emphasis on cooperative interactions, and focus on social and emotional development
Forest
THEORY: Outdoor and nature-based learning that emphasizes open-air engagement with the natural environment through play and exploration.
HALLMARKS: Child-directed, supported risk-taking, exploratory learning, and environmental stewardship
A free printable version of this information is available in our Infographics Tab!
CLICK HERE to explore our pediatric mental and behavioral health infographics.
Are you interested in home-preschool or supplemental learning?
Check out our free printable resources that support social and emotional learning (SEL) for your preschooler!
REFERENCES
Goodwin University. (2020, February 3). What is the Best Type of Preschool for Your Little One? https://www.goodwin.edu/enews/best-type-of-preschools/
Graziano, P. A., Reavis, R. D., Keane, S. P., & Calkins, S. D. (2007). The role of emotion regulation in children’s early academic success. Journal of School Psychology, 45(1), 3–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsp.2006.09.002
How to pick a preschool. (2017, November 11). Harvard Graduate School of Education. https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usable-knowledge/17/11/how-pick-preschool
Kids, P. (2020, November 11). Comparing Preschool Philosophies: Play-Based vs. Academic | Parenting Tips & Advice. PBS KIDS for Parents. https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/comparing-preschool-philosophies-play-based-vs-academic
Staff, S. P. (2018, December 7). Preschool Philosophy 101. https://www.scholastic.com/parents/school-success/school-involvement/preschool-philosophy-101.html
Stankov, L., Lee, J., Luo, W., & Hogan, D. J. (2012). Confidence: A better predictor of academic achievement than self-efficacy, self-concept and anxiety? Learning and Individual Differences, 22(6), 747–758. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2012.05.013
