There comes a point in every child’s life when he starts going to kindergarten or kindergarten.
This is a natural process of development and a kind of preparation for entering the world of daily responsibilities.
The first weeks in kindergarten are sometimes stressful for both children and parents.
It doesn’t have to be that way, but it requires proper preparation and observation of the child.
And what to do when a child is not suitable for kindergarten?
Compulsory preschool in Poland – who is affected?
Many parents wonder from when the child should go to kindergarten compulsorily.
In Poland, compulsory preschool applies to six-year-olds and is defined by law.
In theory, one-year kindergarten preparation is supposed to enable the child to learn new skills, integrate and work in a group or acquire independence.
The program, developed by the Ministry of Education, is designed to facilitate a young person’s entry into the world of school responsibilities.
Compulsory pre-schooling can be postponed if the child requires special education, but then an appropriate statement must be presented.
The same is true for children pursuing home education.
This does not mean, of course, that preschool education cannot be enjoyed by younger children.
Much depends here, however, on the availability of places in public kindergartens, which usually recruit only for a limited time.
Parents who want to be sure that their child will find a place in kindergarten should consider the offer of private kindergartens.
In these, recruitment usually continues throughout the year, as long as there are free places available.
In Warsaw, the Motylek 3 kindergarten has a diverse educational offer. Recruitment to Motylek 3 kindergarten proceeds very quickly and in a comfortable atmosphere.
It consists of several stages such as a telephone conversation and a closer look at the offer, then a meeting at the kindergarten, and later a few weeks lasting preschool adaptation classes.
It is these classes that have a great advantage and are very popular – the child participates in the classes with the parent and gets to know the atmosphere in the group.
Thanks to this type of classes, it is definitely easier for children to prepare for regular attendance at kindergarten.
When a child is not ready for kindergarten – signals for parents
Readiness to go to kindergarten is a very individual matter.
Some children are suitable as early as three or four years old, while others require a little more time.
It is extremely important to regularly observe the child in his daily functioning and talk to the child, checking how he reacts to new situations, whether he makes friends with other children, whether he can do certain things independently or with a little help.
Observation and conversation will allow you to check whether the child can already go to kindergarten.
In turn, any questionable behavior can be consulted with a specialist.
What to do when a child does not want to go to kindergarten?
It is also sometimes the case that the child himself does not want to go to kindergarten.
He may be tearful, withdrawn, stressed. What to do when a child does not want to go to kindergarten? In such a situation, it is worth talking to the child about his fears, supporting him emotionally or preparing him in advance for separation from his parents and a few hours away from home.
In some cases, it is worth simply giving the child a little more time. Kindergarten Motylek 3 also offers adaptation classes for preschoolers.
When is a child unsuitable for kindergarten?
The development of each child is a very individual matter, and it will determine whether he is ready to begin his adventure with kindergarten.
In psychology, there is a term of kindergarten readiness – it is a set of skills and competencies of a child that allows him to regularly attend kindergarten and start kindergarten education.
These types of qualities or skills parents can notice on their own.
These are not only social competence or the ability to integrate with other children, but also basic skills, necessary for everyday life.
These include, among others:
- independence – that is, for example, independently scooping food into one’s mouth, being able to use the potty or toilet with an overlay, washing hands and teeth, basic dressing and undressing;
- Communication – the ability to talk about one’s own needs, deal with new situations, establish new relationships with the group’s caregiver or other children, and the willingness to stay away from home without parents or siblings for several hours each day;
- Concentration – the ability to focus for a slightly longer period of time on simple artwork, group activities or readings.
Acquisition of such skills or social relations by the child significantly facilitates his stay in the kindergarten, reduces the level of stress or allows to accelerate adaptation in the new environment.
If our child has not yet acquired such skills, it may be worth waiting to enroll him or her in kindergarten – the aforementioned skills come with time and some children need a little more of it.
If, on the other hand, we have doubts and are considering enrolling our child in kindergarten, it may be worthwhile to seek the help of a psychological-pedagogical counseling center.
Traditional values and an emphasis on the all-round development of children play an important role in Motylek 3 kindergarten.
The kindergarten’s offer is directed primarily to high-functioning children who are ready to explore the world, socialize, and acquire new skills.
Children who have not yet acquired the characteristics and skills described above, the so-called kindergarten readiness, and children with special needs can take advantage of the offer of other institutions, for example, inclusive kindergartens.
Going to kindergarten is one of the most important moments in childhood.
Therefore, it is worthwhile to try to make it easier for the child to start a new stage, not to pressure or force anything.
Each child has its own individual needs and sometimes requires more time.
In preparing the child to go to kindergarten, frequent conversations, reading books about kindergarten aimed at young readers, as well as integration and adaptation activities can also play an important role.
Any doubts, on the other hand, will help clarify a visit to the psychological and pedagogical counseling center.
