9 Ways to Get Your Child Ready for Preschool: Chicago Tribune article here    Is this good news [...] For those of you who might not know, the [...] The theory goes something like this: if you use [...] Every time you are in a store, have your child [...] Is work a four-letter word? It certainly has four [...] Testimonials from Chris and Corrie Carrigan about CDS [...] ... READ MORE

Why we wrote this series Listen to a story that highlights why we wrote this series on getting your child ready for preschool: The elementary students are often out in the community to meet their responsibilities of caring for their classroom.One day we had to go to the grocery store to shop for supplies for a class party. Once we were in the store, the child who had the shopping list told each of the children what they... READ MORE

#1 Turn off the on-Screen Media (TV and Tablets) Is your child ready for preschool? We asked four of our most seasoned teachers to give us their insights on how parents can prepare their kids for that big transition. In this post, the combined voices of 4 experts in child education say “Definitely turn off the TV [i.e., any on-screen media] or limit it dramatically.” These are not merely opinions, but observations from over 75 years... READ MORE

#2 - Eat Dinner Together How can you get your child ready for preschool? Unexpectedly, the answer is on the dinner table! Honestly, it was surprising to hear how serious our four expert child educators were about this. For instance, one of our Toddler teachers said: “Nothing can be more meaningful that sharing a meal with the family. Social customs, learning how to use the items necessary to eat with, civility and just being together... READ MORE

#3 - Teach your child to help set and clear the table. How can you get your child ready for school? It’s a big question. One thing to keep in mind is that your child will be part of a classroom in which he/she will have to make contributions and cooperate. Children are part of the family community first before anywhere else. When they have an opportunity to contribute, they are able to feel the important part... READ MORE

#4 - Teach your child to put toys away How is this related to preschool readiness? Once you glance at the below list of what’s expected of a 3-year old at Countryside, you’ll soon appreciate this next step as a BIG one in the right direction. Putting Away Toys Gives a Sense of Order and Respect It is important for children to have order in their life. Teaching your child to put away his or her toys is... READ MORE

#5 - Teach Your Child Care for Self and the Home More than a spectator. When a child can care for themselves they are developing confidence and independence. Give your child lots of time to practice self-care skills, putting on socks, shoes and getting dressed. Demonstrate or model how to do the tasks. The self care rituals that you hold in your family is one that even the youngest child can participate in. Gathering items for... READ MORE

#6 - Teach Your Child to Respect the Answer "No" Prevailing parenting culture assumes that it is our job as parents to keep our children happy all the time. Shouldn’t I Keep my Child Happy? The popular idea that "I must keep my child happy all the time" rests on a misleading understanding of what makes children happy. Saying “no” less might seem like it is making your child happier. But that is only the short term. However,... READ MORE

#7 - Allow Your Child to Figure Some Things out on his/her Own The most powerful/impactful learning experience is you discovering something by doing it yourself. Humans are Wired for It Allowing time for your child to figure challenges out is vital in becoming resourceful and in developing critical thinking skills, independence, problem solving and self initiative. The reasoning mind is unique to human beings. When we allow and encourage our children to figure things out... READ MORE

#8 - Read to your child & expect that s/he stay seated for an entire book Reading to a child is a wonderful activity! We recommend that all parents read to their children every day from a very early age. What are the Benefits? Children love the sound of language and especially the voice of their parents. Reading books aloud to children stimulates their imagination and expands their understanding of the world. It helps them develop language... READ MORE