Preschool planning? Here’s your go-to guide

This paid piece is sponsored by EmBe.

If you can see kindergarten on your family’s horizon, chances are you’re thinking preschool.

Especially in the final year before kindergarten, but even as early as age 3, the right approach to preschool can make all the difference before kids enter elementary school.

“Whether this is your first child and you’re making a preschool choice for the first time or even if you’ve already had children go through preschool programs, the opportunities available now are definitely worth reviewing,” said Caitlin Rothschadl, child care manager at EmBe South.

“At EmBe, we have exciting ways to combine child care offered from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. along with the educational piece of your choice during the day, so not only do you have care when you need it, but you know your child is going to be well equipped to enter kindergarten.”

From there, you’ll find lots of choices. So read on for a guide to which could be best for your child!

Track one: Thinkers to Inventors to Scholars

Beginning at age 3, kids entering EmBe’s “Thinkers” program begin to learn what it’s like to go to school.

“At EmBe, we use play-based learning, guided by South Dakota Early Learning Guidelines,” Rothschadl said. “Studies show that play-based learning is the most effective way for children to prepare for kindergarten.”

From there, the curriculum progresses to Inventors at age 4 and Scholars at age 5. All three are offered at EmBe South; Thinkers and Scholars are offered downtown.

“We incorporate everything that reflects what it’s like to go to school,” Rothschadl said. “There’s breakfast, we have a learning period, we go outside, we play in the gym, we have art activities, we take a nap still in this preschool, and we have a snack and incorporate a lot of learning through play.”

Along the way, kids bond with the teachers and classmates.

“Some of the most common feedback we receive is on the relational element,” Rothschadl said. “Parents will tell us they love the teacher, the child has really learned a lot, or it’s easier to leave the child knowing the child and teacher have such a strong relationship.”

Who’s a fit: This program is a good fit for kids who benefit from smaller class sizes with teachers who can help address individual learning needs.

“Our goal at EmBe is a well-rounded approach to get your child ready for kindergarten,” Rothschadl said. “We don’t want any surprises for them in elementary school. You’ll benefit from the work of our curriculum director and new instructional coach to make sure we meet their needs heading into the classroom.

Space available: There are a handful of spots still available for age 3 to 5. “The nice thing is you don’t have to change locations,” Rothschadl said. “You can grow with us. Bring your 3-year-old and they will be able to graduate at 5 before kindergarten and be ready to rock.”

To learn more, click here. 

Track two: Junior KinderCollege and KinderCollege

When kids are showing that they could benefit from a more challenging curriculum, KinderCollege is an excellent fit.

Age 3 and 4 begin in Junior KinderCollege, which is designed for those planning to attend kindergarten in two years who achieve a benchmark of 80 percent or higher on a readiness assessment.

“Our teachers understand children are coming into the program with different abilities, but overall, it is a more rigorous curriculum, so meeting a common benchmark to begin is important,” Rothschadl said.

“This is a play-based learning environment and instruction is inquiry-based, meaning children are finding answers to their questions driven by teachers who work one-on-one with them at the level best suited for them.”

KinderCollege begins a year before kindergarten, and it’s not necessary to have attended the Junior KinderCollege program. All students will still have to meet the readiness benchmark.

“This program has an in-depth focus on literacy, and each lesson begins with a story that then has activities centered around it,” Rothschadl said. “Students will be exposed to math, science, language and fine and gross motor skills, plus there are consistent field trip experiences to help them explore learning-based environments outside the building.”

Who’s a fit: This program is geared toward students who could benefit from a challenging curriculum and an immersive experience.

“It is a more rigorous schedule, and in KinderCollege, it is a larger classroom, so it’s a good fit for kids who can flourish in that kind of environment,” Rothschadl said.

“We often hear from parents who are floored by how well kids are acclimating and how much they’re learning. They’re coming home tired in many cases because they’re learning all day and getting so many skills and experiences.”

Space available: KinderCollege and Junior KinderCollege are offered only at EmBe South, 3510 W. Ralph Rogers Road. The first day is Aug. 28, and there is space available in both programs.

To learn more, click here. 

Track three: Spanish immersion

Give your child a truly global view heading into elementary school with this one-of-a-kind preschool program.

The preschool program, called Los Amigos, is held at EmBe’s downtown location, and allows kids age 3 to 5 to use critical thinking skills with hands-on experiences in music, food and Latin culture. The curriculum also exposes young students to STEM, literacy, and fine and gross motor skills.

“EmBe created this curriculum as a one-of-a-kind combination of The Creative Curriculum and project-based learning,” Rothschadl said. “Each lesson is taught in Spanish while our teachers provide a calm and academically enriching environment.”

Los Amigos offers a full cultural experience in addition to teaching Spanish language skills and the full spectrum of skills needed for kindergarten. There are weekly field trips, guest speakers and outstanding exposure to art, food, music and other traditions.

“It’s a very special program, and we’re excited to be able to offer it at our downtown location,” Rothschadl said.

Who’s a fit: If your child plans to attend a Spanish immersion or dual-immersion elementary school program, this is ideal preparation. But it’s not necessary, either.

“Many kids benefit from the skills and perspective they take away from this program,” Rothschadl said. “We hear often from parents who love the experience.”

Space available: Spanish immersion is offered only at EmBe’s downtown location, 300 W. 11th St. Limited space is available.

To learn more, click here. 

Spanish Immersion preschool gives kids early exposure to bilingual benefits