When a child starts preschool, they are invited into a whole new world of learning and exploration. The preschool environment is a place where they begin to learn the basics of what they will later learn in grade school. The preschool curriculum includes learning the alphabet and simple reading, learning to play and interact in groups, and exercising creativity in arts and crafts. In addition to crafts and the learning that goes on in socialization, preschool children are introduced to math and number. Preschool math is designed to introduce the children to the concept of number, comparisons and the many ways that number is used in daily life.

The Importance of Preschool Math

As education becomes more focused on math, science and technology, it is important that children are introduced to numbers and become comfortable with

Preschool math is an essential part of early childhood education.

using them. While preschool math curriculum doesn’t guarantee that your child will be a math wiz, they will enter kindergarten and grade school with a solid foundation in math and the various ways it is used.

Preschool math is a transitional curriculum based on the assumption that the child knows very little to nothing about math and is designed to be the bridge to kindergarten learning.

How is Math Taught in Preschool?

Like many preschool subjects, preschool math is taught primarily by play, games and song. Preschool math curriculum is designed to introduce the child to number and many of the everyday uses of number. As adults, we forget how thoroughly numbers are a part of our lives. From the date to the time, numbers are everywhere. The purpose of preschool math is to expose children to the concept of number and engage some of the ways we use it in everyday life.

What are Children Taught in Preschool Math?

The beginning of preschool math education is the introduction to numbers, counting and number recognition. Games are used to help the preschooler recognize the numbers, learn to count and match numbers to their names. Children will learn to count the days of the school year, will be put into numbered groups and will begin to learn the concept of time and date.

Some of these mathematical concepts, however, are too hard for young learners to fully grasp. At this age, there is not too much to worry about if your child is struggling with numbers and their associated concepts. Telling time on a clock, for example, because it uses two sets of 12 distinguished by a.m and p.m. to account for a 24 hour day, introduces a second layer of possible confusion for a first time learner. Preschool math will give your child the building blocks of to learn further in kindergarten and grade school.

Preschool Math at Noah’s Ark Reno

Noah’s Ark Child Center is dedicated to providing excellent quality preschool education to the families of Reno, Nevada. In pursuit of this goal, the Preschool program at Noah’s Ark encourages children to discover number and learn how it is used in their daily lives. Children learn to recognize number, count and are introduced to the days of the week and the calendar. Come check out our programs and contact us today to get your child started on the path to future academic success! We look forward to hearing from you!

As you watch your children grow, take those first steps, learn and play, your greatest hope is that they will carry that joy, curiosity and love of learning that you see now into their future lives. Naturally, you want to do everything that you can to help them achieve success and a well-developed social, emotional and intellectual life. One of the best ways to give your children a head start in their social and intellectual development is to put them in an early childhood education program.

What is Early Childhood Education?

Early Childhoo Education gives children a head start!

Early Childhood Education is a set of educational theories, practices and programs that focus on children as young as infants to around age eight. A subset of early child education, known as infant/toddler education, is focused on children from birth to age two.

Most infant/toddler education takes place informally, at home, with parents and loved ones. Family socialization with young children is vital to their healthy development. But the positive effects of formal early childhood education programs, such as an accredited preschool education, is now widely recognized by early education experts as being just as crucial to a child’s intellectual development.

How Will My Child Benefit from an Early Education Program?

The benefits of early childhood education and preschool programs have been shown in study after study for many years. These benefits of preschool are perhaps one of the most solidly proven subjects in educational research. In fact, if this article were to detail the entirety of the benefits of early childhood education and preschool, it would run on so long you would probably stop reading it. So we will keep it to a few key findings.

According to an article in Psychology Today, brain research has revealed that the human brain undergoes a crucial cognitive development period at an early age. If the necessary cognitive stimulation is lacking at this critical time, the child may experience deficits in cognitive ability that would otherwise not appear.

The article goes on to point out that studies on the effects of quality preschool education indicate that preschool education provides children with skills vital to later success. A survey of 28 year olds who had received a preschool education revealed that they had better paying jobs and life security than those 28 year olds who did not attend preschool.

In depth studies have recorded additional long term benefits. A famous long term of study of the impacts of preschool and early education programs, called the High/Scope Perry Preschool study, found that preschool attendees have fewer behavior and metal health problems, are less likely to get into trouble with the law, earn more income and have high school and college higher graduation rates.

Early Childhood Education Programs at Noah’s Ark Reno

Noah’s Ark Reno is dedicated to quality early childhood education.

At Noah’s Ark Reno we are dedicated to providing your child with quality and stimulating early childhood education programs and childcare, like preschool, at that critical time when your child is “like a knowledge sponge,” to quote an early education expert. Come check out all our child care offerings and contact us today! Located in the Reno area. We look forward to meeting you and your child and starting a learning adventure!

One of the best indicators of a quality childcare provider is a good student teacher ratio. The student teacher ratio is simply the number of teachers or childcare professionals on hand at any given time in a childcare, preschool or daycare setting in relation to the number of kids. For example, a preschool class of 20 children and 2 teachers has a student teacher ratio of 10:1. One teacher for every 10 kids. A class of 18 and 2 teachers has a ratio of 9:1 and so on.

A good student teacher ratio needs a well qualified team of teachers!

There are many factors that go into determining what a good student teacher ratio is, including the age of the children and the type of program – educational or simple childcare. And what is considered good in one scenario may be considered inadequate in others. But generally the lower student teacher ratio the better the quality and safety.

What is a Good Student Teacher Ratio?

The most ideal circumstance, and one that many parents dream about, is if your child were paired up with a single adult childcare provider who could provide individual attention and support to your child and no one else for the entirety of their school days. Unfortunately there are not enough teachers and child care providers to create a 1 to 1 ratio between every student and teacher in the country.

Instead, child care providers try to maintain a student teacher ratio that is within the acceptable range. The acceptable range of class size to number of teachers is the subject of much study and debate. But the general consensus is that a student teacher ratio of 10:1 is more than sufficient for preschoolers and older.

What are the Benefits of a low Student Teacher Ratio?

The lower (better) a student teacher ratio becomes, the more expensive the childcare usually becomes. But the quality also increases dramatically.

According to research conducted by The National Bureau of Economic Research, small class size and low student teacher ratios were one of the most vital elements in early childhood education settings to future academic achievement.

It’s not surprising why. A lower student teacher ratio allows for more personalized learning and care. A teacher who has to juggle too many kids is just not going to be able to make sure that all of them are performing at a decent level.

Children learn best in a setting with a low student teacher ratio.

Another factor of teacher student ratio is safety. A teacher who has too keep his or her eyes on 25 preschoolers – just imagine that for a moment – by themselves may become distracted and not be able to make sure that the kids are not getting themselves into unsafe situations. While most childcare facilities are safe places to be for all children, making sure that there enough adult eyes and supervision per child is a childcare safety essential.

Student Teacher Ratio at Noah’s Ark Childcare.

In support of all your childcare safety and education needs, Noah’s Ark Childcare Center maintains a minimum student teacher ratio of 1:10 with all of our programs and age groups. We strive to be there for your child whether they are playing, learning, dancing or socializing. Noah’s Ark Childcare staff have extensive experience and undergo 24 in service training classes per year, ensuring that we are up to date on all the latest research and news in early childcare education. Contact us today for more information on our childcare, preschool and daycare programs. We look forward to hearing from you!

Starting Preschool is an exciting yet intimidating time.

For both parents and their children, starting preschool is an exciting milestone that brings great joy and pride. But, for both parents and children, the first day can also arrive with some anxieties. The start of preschool is likely the first time parent and child have been separated for any real length of time. Naturally, there are some worries, doubts and concerns that come along with this.

If you are a parent of a child who is starting preschool, you may be just as nervous as your little one about the big day. You may be even more nervous than your child, especially if this is your first time sending a child to preschool. You may be worrying about whether your child will make friends and behave, how they will do academically and whether they are prepared for all the new things they are about to experience.

To help you and your little one navigate the butterflies of starting preschool, here are some tips that you can use to help make sure the first day of preschool is a positive and happy experience.

For a Nervous Child Starting Preschool

At first, a child starting preschool may not show very much anxiety about the first day. Children usually don’t become nervous until the realization sets in that they are going to be separated from you for a good portion of the day. This anxiety is very common and sometimes it causes parents a great deal of anxiety as well.

To help keep you both calm, here are some tips to make the transition easier.

Talk to you child before the big day

Before starting preschool, talk to your little scholar about your experiences in preschool. Tell them about what to expect and how much fun it was for you, about all the neat things you learned and all the friends you made. Letting them know that you have been there too is a great way to relieve some of the anxiety your child may experience. Having this conversation with your child while allowing them to pick out a new backpack ad get other supplies reinforces the positive message.

Give them something of yours to hold onto

If your child is expressing worry about you leaving, give them something of

yours that they can hold onto for the day. It can be anything you like. To them that you are giving to them for safe keeping until you get back. This gives them something to focus on assures them that you will come back to get it.

Arrange play dates with the children in your child’s class

Arrange a play date with your child’s classmates!

If your child already knows someone in the class before starting preschool, the transition from home to preschool will be much smoother. Before preschool begins, get in touch with some of the other parents who have children in your class. Arrange a few play dates and foster a new friendship before preschool even starts.

Remember, even after doing some of these tips, your child may still be anxious and unsure about starting preschool. This is normal. The separation experience is a process that may take your child – and you too – some time to feel comfortable with.

For the Nervous Parent Starting Preschool

The process of starting preschool can be just as nerve racking for parents as it is for children. As the parent, you may also experience some of the same separation anxiety as your child. After being with your little one for so long and tending to their every need all the time, it can be emotional difficult to let go.

On top of that, you may feel hesitant to leave your child under the supervision of someone you may not know that well.

Here some tips to help you cope with the process of starting preschool.

Talk to The preschool Teacher and Director.

These anxieties are all very normal and preschool teachers are experienced and trained to address your concerns.

Before your child starts preschool, get to know the teachers and preschool directors. Ask them about their experiences and training. Try to get to know them on a personal level, too. Preschool teachers are naturally very friendly and gentle and will happily share who they are with you. Talking to the people who are going to be supervising your child on this level will turn them from strangers to trusted friends.

Take some time for yourself

While your child is at preschool, take some time for yourself that you would otherwise not have. Do something for yourself. Treat yourself to a massage, lunch with friends or start reading that book you have been trying to get to for the last couple of months.

Develop new friendships

Talking with and getting to know the parents of other children in the class is a great way to relieve the anxiety of starting preschool. They may be sharing some of your same feelings. Having someone to talk to who is experiencing the same thing can really help the both of you. You never know; a shared concern may become a great life-long friendship.

Starting preschool can be hard for both you and your child, and while these tips are not exhaustive, they are a good start to ensuring that starting preschool is an exciting, positive and formative milestone for you and your future scholar. At Noah’s Ark Childcare Center we strive to make sure that preschool is an inviting, warm, fun and creative space for your little one to develop their potential. We can’t wait to share the first day of preschool with you!

Probably one of the most widely studied aspects of education practice is the positive effect that parental involvement in education has on a child’s overall academic and socialization success.  The positive link between parental involvement in education and the child’s academic success has been demonstrated in study after study for a number of years. Additionally, parental involvement in education is considered by many in the education professionals to be one of the most important factors to a child’s success.

According to a 2003 survey conducted by Public Agenda, two-thirds of public school teachers said that an increase in parental involvement in education would help the children perform better, and 72% said that children with uninvolved parents are more likely to fall behind.

What do Studies Say about Parental Involvement in Education

A comprehensive study by SEDL, which combined the results of 51 studies on the effect of parental involvement in education, concluded that parental involvement in education is key to a number of academic success factors.

Parental involvement in education is important to learning success!

Children whose parents are involved in their education earn higher grades and are more likely to enroll in higher level classes and honors programs. They are also more likely to pass their classes, earn credits and attend school more regularly than children of uninvolved parents. The study also reports that children with involved parents have better social skills, improved classroom behavior and higher self-esteem.

What does this mean for parents of early education and pre-school kids?

While most of the studies of parent involvement in education focus on k-12, parental involvement with their child’s pre-K education is just as important. Research into the involvement of parents in their pre-school kid’s education has also shown a positive effect on academic outcomes when they reach kindergarten and elementary school, and kids who enjoy a high level of parental involvement make the transition into kindergarten and elementary more smoothly.

Perhaps the most important finding, however, is the fact that parents who actively participate in the education of their pre-school kids develop habits and attitudes to their child’s education that are beneficial to the child and are more likely to support their children through further education. Just like the kids, parents benefit from educational engagement with their child.

Some ways you can become more involved with your child’s pre-K education

After reading all the benefits of being in involved in your child’s education, you may be wondering how you, as a parent, can get involved in your child’s learning. As you have learned, parental involvement in education is a critical factor to ensuring their success. There are a number of fun and exciting way that you can get involved in your child’s learning.

Volunteer in the Classroom

Volunteering in your child’s classroom is a great way to learn about the world that your little one is learning in, and being there tells your child that school is a safe and inviting place where they can thrive. In an age when parents often only show up to school only when their child is in trouble, it is important to signal to you child at an early age that school is a positive and fun place to be.

Learn at home

While it is important to be involved in your child’s classroom, parental involvement education does not stop at the classroom door. Just as important is making your home an extension of the classroom by creating a fun and engaging learning environment.

Games are a great way to learn at home!

As mentioned in a previous post, there are hundreds of education oriented games that you can play with your child. Games make education fun. You can also read to your child or share one of your talents or skills with them. Teach them age appropriate things, of course. If you play an instrument or like art, you can introduce your child to the world of music, song and art when they aren’t learning in the classroom.

Talk to your Child’s Teacher

Talk to your child’s teacher about how they are doing, how they are behaving in class and if any problems arise. It is important to keep an open line of communication between you and their teacher. This way, both of you can coordinate and have an established relationship if any problems arise in your child’s progress.

These are just some of the ways that you can get involved in your child’s education. The National Education Association has a fantastic resource page for parents who want to get more involved with their child’s education. Use these resources and the tips above to help your child succeed and get the best out of their education.

At Noah’s Ark Childcare Center in Reno our dedicated and experienced childcare team is will help you get involved in your child’s education in a safe and inviting environment. At Noah’s Ark Childcare Center in Reno, you and your will learn together, grow together and thrive together.

When we talk about children and creativity, some minds go straight to artistic creativity and the age-old finger painting fun. Creativity has a larger impact on a child’s development than finger painting alone. Creativity also refers to imagination and original ideas, which are the tenets of innovation and problem solving.

Why Creativity is Important

At its basic root, the term creativity describes the human ability for one to express herself or think about things in a different way. A good sense of self-expression in a child can lead to a more communicative adult who has a stronger sense of self.

Creative thinking leads to better problem solvers. Your child’s creativity can lead her to being the doctor who finds a cure for cancer or fighting hunger. As parents and caretakers, we can equip our children with the tools to handle any problems they may face in the future by developing their creativity.

Creativity Time During Free Play

A child’s creativity muscle gets a lot of exercise during unstructured free play time. Since there is no requirement for exactly what a child should be doing, she can let her mind explore the limitless possibilities! If you are looking to help your child build her creativity, carve out some time for supervised free play time.

Creativity During Art Time

Art projects can be a perfect opportunity for children to develop creativity and self-expression. One of the roadblocks in developing a child’s creativity is placing an expectation on the end product. A child could be disheartened when she realizes her masterpiece looks nothing like what it is “supposed” to look like. Taking out the “supposed to” aspect of art projects makes a significant impact on fostering a child’s creativity.

Instead of making sure all of the children have instruction to attempt to repeat an image they see, focus on the process instead of the product. As long as the children are utilizing the different tools and materials in a safe manner, let their brains run wild to build their creativity without fear of judgment.

Encouraging Your Child’s Creativity

Many parents have experienced that awkward moment when a child brings home an art project that looks unrecognizable. Take those opportunities to learn about your child’s inventions free of judgment! Discussing a child’s art work with them is an excellent way to begin discussion of the day’s activities.

We suggest that a parent not ask, “What’s that?” because to a child very often they were not drawing a particular thing. Instead, perhaps ask your child to tell you about the picture she brought home, which will often encourage them to talk about their creation.

Creativity at Noah’s Ark Child Center

At Noah’s Ark Child Center in Reno, creativity is an integral part of our curriculum. We foster your child’s creativity through activities like dance, music, block building, dramatic play, mud play to challenge your child’s imagination and ability.

Our childcare professionals at Noah’s Ark Child Center strive to create a safe environment that supports creativity and self-expression of all the children.

Stop by for a tour and visit Noah’s Ark Child Center in Reno today!

Sunshine, green grass and fresh air is an important part in the day of a child at Noah’s Ark Child Center. The children love their outdoor play time. Little bikers follow the figure 8 track as they master coordination and pedaling.  Climbers tackle the rock wall and the challenge of the “zipper” on the Big Toy.   If sliding is their joy they have the pick of three slides .  Diggers fill their buckets for sand castles, mud pies or dirt car tracks.  The green grass invites the children to enjoy a story on the hill, a sniff of the flowers or just a frolic in the leaves and blades of green.  In the winter the hill is covered with snow and a perfect place for a winter saucer spin.  Painting with water or paints on the sidewalk allows the children to mark their artistry on a cement canvas. There is never enough time in the  day for fun but there is always time for outdoor play.

It’s “Teddy Bear Picnic Day” for our children ages three to six years of age.  It’s hard to decide which is the favorite furry friend who gets to come to Noah’s Ark and spend the day.  What color is your bear, what is your bears name and where did you get your bear are questions we all want to know. Of course a picnic means lunch outside on the hill and in the sunshine with our bears and always a special treat.  Everyday is a special day at the Noah’s Ark.

Your child is reaching school age, and it’s time to start thinking about how to prepare your child to start school. At Noah’s Ark Child Center, we have some tips and tricks for preparing your child for school.

Preparing for School Essentials

Teach your child to wash his hands frequently, most importantly after using the potty. The more confident your child is using the toilet and washing his hands on his own, the easier the transition to school will be.

Help your child prepare for the first day of school by helping your child dress himself. Choose clothes for school that are easy for your child to put on himself. Developing your child’s sense of independence will make the transition to school much easier.

Preparing for School Academically

Before taking your child to his first day of kindergarten, read to him frequently. Reading to children will help them once they are in the classroom.

Another helpful tip in preparing your child for school is to work on learning the alphabet and the different sounds of each letter. You can teach your child letter sounds with songs and different phonics games, and it will help your child be prepared for entering kindergarten.

Preparing for School Socially

Preparing your child for school also involves getting him ready for the social atmosphere.

Teach your child to recognize his own name. This step in preparing for school is important to help your child respond to his teachers and fellow classmates. You can also encourage your child in conversation by talking with your child frequently and teaching your child new words.

Help prepare your child for the social environment of school by teaching them how to talk to their fellow classmates. If you as a parent or caretaker can help your child have the tools to make friends, he may be less nervous about making new friends!

Preparing for school socially can be as simple as having extended family visit frequently. Visits from other adults and children will help socialize your child, so there will be less anxiety involving the new social situation of school.

Preparing for School Emotionally

The day has arrived! Your child is school-age and is about to attend his first day of school. Let this be an exciting day for everyone! Ask him how he is feeling about his first day of school, and remember that he will take his cues off of you.

If you cry dropping him off to school, he will be confused because of any earlier encouragement. It can be a scary day for parents and kids, but with all of the preparing for school you have done, you and your child are ready!

Preparing for School at Noah’s Ark Child Center

Preparing for school can include a preschool program in Reno with Noah’s Ark Child Center!

Noah’s Ark Child Center’s Preschool Program in Reno offers a safe, healthy, and loving environment to socialize and educate your child before starting school. Our curriculum shapes and helps children grow with creativity, self confidence and responsibility.

Noah’s Ark is a non-profit out-reach mission of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Our childcare program has been in operation since 1972. Noah’s Ark began in a small space with only 15 children and over the years has grown to encompass 115 children and an expanded faculty.

In 1987 the “educational wing” of the church was built by St. Paul’s with the Ark, to accommodate youth programs of the church and the growing child care population. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, hand in hand with Noah’s Ark Child Center, reaffirms daily their commitment to the needs of the community, childcare and childcare excellence. We welcome you to our Noah’s Ark family.

There are many options for your child’s early education, and it can be frustrating to try and sort through all of the different child care providers for preschool programs in Reno. Here are some questions parents can ask themselves to find the right preschool program in Reno for them.

What is the Education & Experience of the Staff?

Choosing a great preschool program in Reno means choosing qualified teachers!

In an article by American Institutes for Research, Susan Muenchow explains that teachers need special skills in order to care for young children ages 3-6. What training does the staff have at the child care center offering the preschool program in Reno?

The Noah’s Ark Child Center Staff has been trained with 24 in-service training classes per year, in accordance with the Washoe County Social Service licensing. The staff also takes part in annual training on the property to keep teachers current on licensing requirements and any changes and developments in teachings and research.

What is the Discipline Philosophy of Preschool Programs in Reno?

When placing your young child in the hands of child care professionals at a preschool program in Reno, you want to see if their discipline philosophy is in alignment with your beliefs as a parent. Anne Zachry at Parents.com writes, “Ideally, positive redirection will be the first course of action, with strategies such as a cool-down time to follow when redirection isn’t successful.”

It takes time for children to learn appropriate behavior. At Noah’s Ark Child Center’s Preschool Program in Reno, we reinforce positive behavior whenever possible.

What do Experts Say?

You can look at the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and their infographic on preschool programs. Other expert voices in the field include the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC).

What’s the Teacher – Student Ratio?

When looking at preschool programs in Reno, parents can also investigate the teacher to student ratio. This number indicates if teachers are spending enough time with your child, ensuring that your child gets the proper attention and care.

Noah’s Ark Child Center’s Preschool Program in Reno has a teacher to student ratio of 1 to 10 because your child’s growth is important to us.

Does the Preschool Allow Tours?

Parents can take a look and schedule a tour in order to see what the child care center is like and what they can expect from the preschool program in Reno. Kali Sakai of ParentMap encourages parents to schedule tours of the facilities to get a sense of the look and feel of the child care center.

Noah’s Ark Reno Preschool Program

Noah’s Ark Child Center has a Reno preschool program you’ll love!

Noah’s Ark Child Center’s Preschool Program in Reno offers a safe, healthy, and loving environment to socialize and educate your child before starting school. Our curriculum shapes and helps children grow with creativity, self confidence and responsibility.

Choosing a Preschool Program in Reno for your child does not have to cause you worry. Noah’s Ark Child Center has what your child needs for a fun and loving experience.

About Noah’s Ark Child Center

Noah’s Ark is a non-profit out-reach mission of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Our childcare program has been in operation since 1972. Noah’s Ark began in a small space with only 15 children and over the years has grown to encompass 115 children and an expanded faculty.

In 1987 the “educational wing” of the church was built by St. Paul’s with the Ark, to accommodate youth programs of the church and the growing child care population. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, hand in hand with Noah’s Ark Child Center, reaffirms daily their commitment to the needs of the community, childcare and childcare excellence. We welcome you to our Noah’s Ark family.