Early development is an essential aspect and can be heavily impacted by the age at which the children attend school. Deciding the right age for a toddler to start school at the age of 18 months is a most crucial and critical decision for parents to make. 

According to research by the American Academy of Pediatric: “many children benefit from starting preschool around age 3, as it supports social and cognitive development. However, readiness varies by child, and some may benefit from starting as early as 18 months.”

This comprehensive guide will delve into the aspects to consider when assessing if 18 months is the appropriate age for your kid to attend preschool, as well as how selecting the correct program may help your toddler thrive.

The Developmental Stage at 18 Months

The 18 months are the midst of developmental changes in toddlers. At this age, tods start learning to explore things and begin to show some independence and may play pretend and point at objects they want. They also begin to understand things/objects of daily use, such as a cup or spoon.

At this age they also start to walk and begin to use language to express themselves. Your toddler may have temper tantrums around this age, when they grow frustrated trying to communicate how they feel, however these milestones make this age a crucial time for early learning. 

The Benefits of Starting Early Learning Programs for Toddler

Socialization Opportunities:

One of the primary advantages of early preschool at the age of 18 month, is the opportunity for socialization. When kids are in an environment with other kids of their age they learn social competence and the ability to cooperate with peers; it also includes such things as the ability to show empathy, express feelings, and share generously. These social-emotional skills are beneficial because they help children learn, and work in collaboration.

Acc to  National associated Dr. Lilian Katz for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) “Early years experiences of a child assist in shaping their views and themselves and the world. These experiences lay and work as the groundwork for the social and emotional skills needed throughout life.”

There are different well-structured programs out there; however, the toddler day programs near la porte tx offers opportunities for children to interact with others, which is essential for developing social skills such as sharing and teamwork.

Cognitive Development: 

Acc to research from the U.S. Department of Health “well-structured early preschooling has a profound influence on a child’s cognitive development.” The early educational setting stimulates curiosity in younger minds and encourages problem-solving skills through age-appropriate activities.

Another benefit of early preschooling is that children are exposed to different people, toys, learning resources, and situations than they would encounter in their homes. Early preschool settings have resources that differ from home-type toys as they are created and purchased with learning goals in mind. An early educational center enables children to learn math, engineering, geometry, measurement language, and problem-solving skills while developing their full potential.

Language Development: 

Language development is critical in early childhood, especially between 18 months and 5 years. In this age group toddlers are rapidly expanding their vocabulary and enhancing their interactive skills. Acc to research from The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER), “children in quality preschool programs have stronger language skills”. Similarly, a study in the Journal of Child Language shows that activities like interactive reading significantly improve sentence comprehension and production.

Enrolling your child in a best toddler learning program in la porte tx can enhance their language skills through interactive stories, songs, and conversations, all of which are key components of our program at High Achievers Learning Center

Early Motor Skills: 

Motor skills learning for an 18-month-old is crucial for preschool readiness because it lays the foundation for cognitive development. Early motor activities, such as sitting, reaching, and walking, integrate essential perceptions, intentions, and planning skills, which help organize brain development and support cognitive growth. Early motor skills also predict a child’s behavioral competencies and EF skills later in the preschool year, making early intervention beneficial. 

“An early preschool experience capitalizes on these incredibly formative years,” says Allison Wilson, the senior director of curriculum and innovation at Stratford School, who has more than 20 years of experience in early childhood education

The High Achievers Learning Center incorporates activities that understand the importance of the development of motor skills. Through play-based learning, toddlers engage in activities that improve their coordination and physical abilities.

How Do You Check For Readiness?

Remember that there’s no such thing as ‘one size fits all’ but this checklist can help you assess whether your little one can already thrive in school.

• They can do basic things and can follow simple instructions.
• They’re independent enough not to have any separation anxiety when you’re not around.
• They can complete simple tasks on their own like connecting the dots on illustrations or building structures with Lego.

Best Toddler Learning Program in La Porte, TX

At High Achievers Learning Center the toddler learning programs in la porte tx, is an exceptional early education program. This program is designed for children aged 18 months to 2 years. It focuses on comprehensive cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development through a structured curriculum. 

Our center for early education toddler program is committed to offering the best toddler learning program which integrates active play, language-rich environments, and age-appropriate activities, ensuring that toddlers reach their full potential in a safe and nurturing setting.

For more details, visit High Achievers Learning Center.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the age at which your child should be born depends on their particular requirements and their particular set of circumstances. Though there are numerous things to take into account, your child’s age, developmental stage, and unique requirements and interests are some of the most crucial ones.

Providing a secure, caring, and encouraging atmosphere where they may develop to their maximum potential is crucial, regardless of whether you decide to enroll them or wait till they are a little older.