The Pre-K Home Companion

Learning the Importance of Early Childhood Education and Choosing the Best Program for Your Family

By (author) Sherelyn R. Kaufman, Michael J. Kaufman, Elizabeth C. Nelson

Publication date:

29 July 2016

Length of book:

202 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9781475821574

This book is a one-stop resource for parents and families facing decisions about how to provide their children the best educational experiences before kindergarten. We know that early childhood learning experiences have a dramatic impact on the success and well-being of children, the community, and the country. Children who have positive early childhood experiences develop cognitive and socio-emotional abilities that lead to positive school performance, income, family stability, and health, in turn producing particularly robust educational, social, and economic benefits for your community and our country.
This companion offers background on why early childhood education is important in your child’s life. It provides an overview of current research about how young children learn. It suggests questions you may ask potential service providers about a program’s policies and practices. It empowers you to make the critically important decision about the best learning environment for your child.
A companion makes a journey more enriching, while providing support and perspective. We hope that this book will be helpful to parents and families as they make vital decisions about the welfare of their children, and their community.

Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction: How Can This Book be a Helpful Companion?

Section I: How Do I Choose the Best Early Childhood Education Program for My Family?

Chapter 1: Why is Early Childhood Education Important?
Chapter 2: Which Options are Affordable for My Family?
Chapter 3: How Do I Choose Among Various Pedagogical Approaches To Early Childhood Education?
Chapter 4. Why Should I Strongly Consider Choosing a Program that Follows the Social Constructivist Approach to Early Childhood Education?
Chapter 5: What is the Best Approach to Discipline in an Early Childhood Education Program?
Chapter 6: What is the Best Approach to Technology in an Early Childhood Education Program?
Chapter 7: Will My Child Benefit from Special Education?
Chapter 8: Should I Consider the Advantages of a Dual Language Program?
Chapter 9: Should I Consider the Advantages of a Program that Embraces Diversity?
Chapter 10: How Can I Make Sense of Formal Measures of Quality and Ratings by Accrediting Bodies?
Chapter 11: What Other Practical Factors Should I Consider In Choosing The Best Early Childhood Education Program For My Child?
Chapter 12: How Will I Recognize the Program That’s Best For My Child?

Section II. How do I Support My Child by Strengthening Relationships Between School and Home?
Chapter 13: How Can I Partner With Teachers And Administrators to Support My Child’s Learning?
Chapter 14: What Is The Best Way To Know If My Child Is Learning?
Chapter 15: How Can I Extend My Child’s Learning At Home?
Chapter 16: How Can I Help To Extend My Child’s Learning In Later Schooling?

Section III. How Do I Support All Our Children by Building Relationships with Other Families and the Community?

Chapter 17: How Can I Help My Child Develop As a Citizen, with the Power to Improve the World?
Chapter 18: What Is The Most Effective Way For Me To Make Sure That Other Children Have Access To Early Childhood Education?

Conclusion
Early Childhood Education Program Rubric
References
About the Authors

Rooted in solid research this book will serve as a practical guide for parents seeking to find the best programs and schools for educating their preschoolers. Timely and accessible, it will be an invaluable resource for parents who want to ensure that their children receive a quality early education they need and deserve.