I am a working single custodial father of a wonderful 3 yr old boy named Michael. There are no words to truly express my love for him but this blog is my attempt to document our lives in hopes that he may someday have a chance to read the joys and laughter that we shared together.Along the way, I hope that I may be able to pass on some things I've learned and observed as a single parent; things about parenting, the ups and downs of single parenthood, the emotions experienced watching Michael grow from a baby to a toddler to a boy and, some day, into a man.
Public school vs private school for toddlers
Posted 07-22-2008 at 05:05 PM by Singleparentdad
My son attends a private school that has a pre-k program. The school is relatively new (around 10 years old) and the student body (pre-k to 12th grade) less than 2,000.
It is in a fairly affluent fast growing area so I expect it will continue to grow and evolve.
They are having a summer camp which Michael is attending. After the dropoff, one of the mothers and I got to talking about the school curriculum. She was concerned whether the school followed a similar curriculum as the public school because she didn't want her child falling behind.
I told her that I believed for a school to get a charter it had to submit a curriculum that had to be approved by the dept of education.
But more importantly, I told her that for me, the most important part of the school was the loving environment, particularly for children Michael's age. I think the environment is as important, if not more, than the actual curriculum for toddlers.
The children have to feel safe and comfortable to help open up their minds for learning. And during these formative years, the emotional aspect of education and school has to be positive to generate enthusiam for the future.
This isn't a slight against public schools. There are some excellent public schools with pre-k programs. And with teachers who take pride in their jobs. But I think it's a numbers thing; meaning the sheer size of some of the public schools prohibit indiviualized attention which can translate, for a toddler, to less "love".
I think there comes a point where curriculum takes precedence over the environment. In my opinion, I think that point is probably around 2nd or 3rd grade. When Michael has reached that point, I will reevaluate his educational choices.
For now, I am so thankful to all the teachers at Michael's current school for showing my son the love and caring.
It is in a fairly affluent fast growing area so I expect it will continue to grow and evolve.
They are having a summer camp which Michael is attending. After the dropoff, one of the mothers and I got to talking about the school curriculum. She was concerned whether the school followed a similar curriculum as the public school because she didn't want her child falling behind.
I told her that I believed for a school to get a charter it had to submit a curriculum that had to be approved by the dept of education.
But more importantly, I told her that for me, the most important part of the school was the loving environment, particularly for children Michael's age. I think the environment is as important, if not more, than the actual curriculum for toddlers.
The children have to feel safe and comfortable to help open up their minds for learning. And during these formative years, the emotional aspect of education and school has to be positive to generate enthusiam for the future.
This isn't a slight against public schools. There are some excellent public schools with pre-k programs. And with teachers who take pride in their jobs. But I think it's a numbers thing; meaning the sheer size of some of the public schools prohibit indiviualized attention which can translate, for a toddler, to less "love".
I think there comes a point where curriculum takes precedence over the environment. In my opinion, I think that point is probably around 2nd or 3rd grade. When Michael has reached that point, I will reevaluate his educational choices.
For now, I am so thankful to all the teachers at Michael's current school for showing my son the love and caring.
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