A parent’s guide to choosing a pre-school that celebrates your child’s individuality

Every child is unique bringing new experiences, characteristics, and perspectives to a preschool. This must be respected and nurtured at school. In many preschools, children are often asked to conform to straitjacketed developmental milestones or social norms. This needs to be changed. Each child develops at their own pace, and preschool programmes must work towards all-round development. An ideal play school will offer the academic flexibility and support needed to map every child's unique learning journey.
Embracing Individuality
Children are often slotted into broad labels, such as 'shy' or 'outgoing,' based on limited interactions. These labels cannot capture the complexity of a child's behaviour. For instance, a reserved child in a large group may be more confident and assertive in familiar settings. Similarly, a child who can communicate well with adults might struggle with peer interactions. Preschool programmes must dig deeper and understand the key factors influencing behaviour, including age, family environment, etc. It can help the educators understand each child and offer them support. A good preschool keeps the child's individuality intact and will mould them into responsible individuals by the time they start school.
Recognise different learning styles
The age-old adage that every child is unique also holds true for their learning experiences. Some children are eager to participate in new activities and explore, while others are observant and need time to engage with a group. A good preschool educator understands that both approaches are valid but require different strategies. For instance, a child who thrives on exploration may excel with open-ended, hands-on activities that encourage experimentation, while a cautious learner might prefer a structured environment. This means teachers must develop the skills to recognize each child’s needs and tailor methods to unlock their potential. For example, they might offer sensory play for tactile learners, read stories aloud for auditory learners, and provide visual or creative activities for those who learn best through observation and art.
Integrating interests with learning
Children's interests are the bridge that helps them make better sense of the world. Some work with patterns, sorting objects, or arranging them in specific ways. Others could be keen on imaginative play and creating stories with their dolls or toys. These hobbies must be encouraged and are part of a deep cognitive process that guides the learning experience. For preschool educators, it is important to curate and tailor experiences based on the child's hobbies. For instance, a child who likes stacking objects can be encouraged to explore other building materials. A child keen on pretend play can be nudged to lead imagination-fuelled activities with peers that improve their social and language skills. The important point is to allow children to explore their ideas and build on their interests.
Supporting diverse developmental paths
We have mentioned early on that it's important to remember that children do not always follow a predictable developmental path. While one child may excel in language skills at a young age, it might take longer to develop fine motor abilities. Others may show early physical coordination but take more time to express themselves verbally. This variation in development is entirely normal, and preschools with the right educators will take a holistic view of each child's growth rather than focus solely on achieving certain milestones.
The need for a sharp, flexible curriculum
Beyond offering the child freedom and resources to find their calling, preschool programmes must work on a curriculum that best meets their needs. It would mean having a mix of activities that encourage group collaboration and aid in individual exploration. For instance, in a class dealing with nature, one child may be fascinated by planting seeds and watching them grow, while another could be keen on studying insects in the garden. With multiple activities, children can choose the ones that resonate best and explore content personally and meaningfully. More choices will mean the distinct interests and learning outcomes are respected, resulting in higher engagement and success.
Celebrating Uniqueness
While maintaining individuality, preschools must create an environment where unique qualities are celebrated and the children grow up to be confident and curious learners. A good preschool programme must be responsive to everyone's developmental path, learning style, and cultural background to let the children excel in ways that honour individuality.
A mix of solid observation skills, flexibility in teaching, and a deep understanding of the child's needs can help educators participate in early childhood growth and create an environment where children's strengths are valued and challenges are fulfilled thoughtfully.
Sibi Fakih, Head of Curriculum Development, Kangaroo Kids