History:
In 1965 President Johnson created the first publicly funded preschool named Head Start. The main components of the program included education, nutrition and health screenings. It also offered supportive services to aid families. The first preschool program started as a summer program and in the 1960’s around 10% of children ages three and four were enrolled in a preschool program. As the interest for preschool programs grew the amount of money needed to fund these classes exceeded the limit. Many states decided to create similar programs for low income families which created a positive success. Since the 1960’s the amount of children attending preschool classes continues to increase. Even at Ready Set Grow, a children’s preschool of Long Island, we notice a steady increase in attendance each year.
The ever increasing amounts of parents deciding to enroll their children in programs before elementary school can be attributed to research linking early childhood experiences and brain development for younger children. Many preschools including our own, make sure to incorporate vital educational skills, to strengthen their minds and prepare them for kindergarten. Important educational activities that stem from the history of preschool include creative and aesthetic development, mathematical skills, team work, self-help, social and communication skills.
Types of Preschools:
Most states offer many options when choosing preschool or pre-k, due to the increasing popularity. There are different types of preschools such as federally funded, stated funded, non for profit and private. Throughout the years various types of teaching methods have evolved. Some of the more frequently used methods include Montessori, Waldorf, High Reach Learning, The Creative Curriculum, and Head Start.
Ready Set Grow, located in Lake Success Long Island, is a tuition based preschool providing the highest quality education, during children’s most crucial developmental ages. We offer many classes that vary by age and we also offer weekend preschool classes. For a full list of our schedules and fees click here.
