An Introduction to Different Preschool Philosophies

Choosing the right preschool for your child is a big decision. It's important to be aware of the different philosophies that each preschool follows, as they may vary from one program to another. Here's an overview of some of the most popular preschool philosophies so you can decide which one is best for your family.

Montessori

The Montessori philosophy is an educational approach emphasizing self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. The main focus is on helping students develop their interests and passions through exploring and experimenting with materials in their environment. In a Montessori classroom, students are encouraged to think for themselves, solve problems independently, and explore their curiosity without fear of criticism or judgment. 

Waldorf

The Waldorf philosophy focuses on developing the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. Students learn through creative play, storytelling, and music while engaging in practical activities such as gardening, cutting vegetables for lunch, and baking bread daily, a time-honored Waldorf tradition. In addition, the Waldorf approach emphasizes respect for nature and encourages children to explore their creativity through art projects. A Waldorf education helps children develop social skills and emotional intelligence that will serve them throughout life.

Reggio Emilia

The Reggio Emilia approach emphasizes collaboration between teachers and students, as well as parental involvement in their children's education. It focuses on creating an environment where students are free to explore their creativity while being supported by teachers who act more like facilitators than instructors. Through this type of education, children learn how to think critically while also gaining confidence in expressing themselves verbally and creatively through art projects or other activities.

Cooperative Learning

Cooperative Learning was developed as a way to foster cooperation between students rather than competition among them. In this educational model, students work together on group projects or presentations where each individual has an important role to play for the project or presentation to be successful. Through cooperative learning, students learn how to collaborate effectively with others while building relationships with classmates that will last beyond the classroom walls.

Language Immersion

Language immersion is a strategy used by many schools where classes are conducted entirely in a language other than English, allowing students to become proficient speakers of a second language while also learning traditional preschool skills. Language immersion is excellent for dual-language households and those who appreciate the benefits of being bilingual.

There are many different preschool philosophies, and it can be challenging to decide which one is right for your family. Each philosophy has its own unique benefits, so take some time to research them further before deciding.