Pre-K Programs to Kickstart Early Childhood Education
Kids Educational Center offers daycare for children in the Triangle Region, but also valuable pre-kindergarten programs that prepare kids in Raleigh, Wake Forest, Knightdale, and Wendell for kindergarten.
Children who attend pre-K programs are less likely to be held back a grade, less likely to need special education courses, and more likely to graduate high school. Our pre-K age group is designed for five-year-olds and offers hands-on learning opportunities to introduce early learning concepts and improve kindergarten readiness.
The Difference Between Pre-Kindergarten and Preschool
Many parents wonder what the difference is between preschool and pre-kindergarten. While both programs help young learners grow and develop important early childhood education skills, the main differences are the children’s age, developmental stage, and how the program prepares them for kindergarten.
Pre-K focuses more on kindergarten readiness through skills such as reading, writing, and math, as well as following directions, problem-solving, and classroom routines.
Pre-K Makes a Difference
Hands-On Learning
While learning classroom routines is important, Kids Educational Center doesn’t believe in rigid worksheets or forcing kids to sit at a desk for hours at a time. Young children learn best through playing, exploring, and experimenting, so we use activities like:
- Blocks
- Dramatic Play
- Manipulatives
- Music & Movement
- Creative Art
- Blocks
- Science
- Dramatic Play
- Manipulatives
- Writing
- Language
- Gross Motor Kills
- Music & Movement
- Creative Art
Classroom Skills
We build kindergarten readiness by teaching early learning skills and setting classroom expectations. Kids who know the alphabet and possess early counting skills will feel more confident in a kindergarten classroom.
The first day of school can be overwhelming, but knowing what to expect will make the day go by much more smoothly. Those who attended a pre-kindergarten program will already have a basic understanding of the skills and topics that the teacher will introduce and have experience in a classroom setting.
Social Development
Preparing our pre-K kids academically isn’t enough; our daycare teachers also foster social and emotional development by helping kids make choices, practice active listening, and expand their imagination.
Pre-K social development helps children build a sense of belonging in the classroom by learning to behave in a group setting, share, resolve disagreements, and show consideration for others. The ABCs are only part of prepping for school!
Healthy eating should be a priority for any North Carolina daycare – it certainly is at the Kids Educational Center. Nutritious meals give children the energy they need to reach milestones and focus on early education concepts.
We provide nutritious, tasty food while teaching the importance of healthy eating habits from a young age. Our pre-kindergarteners can’t build classroom skills without the right nutrients!
Our daycare and pre-K programs are what every parent in the Triangle Region of North Carolina needs when looking for a kindergarten readiness program for their child. With our hands-on learning approach, passionate teachers, and dedication to preparing your child for the school years ahead, Kids Educational Center is the right fit for any parent looking for daycare that makes a difference.
Whether your child has transitioned from one of our younger daycare classrooms or is joining us for pre-kindergarten prep, we’ve got a spot for you. With five convenient locations, parents can easily fit the KEC into their daily routines. We can’t wait to meet our next pre-K student!
North Carolina’s FAQs About Pre-K and Early Childhood Learning
What’s the difference between pre-K and preschool?
Pre-K focuses more on preparing kids to enter a kindergarten classroom, while preschool focuses more on early childhood development skills. Our pre-kindergarten classrooms emphasize early literacy and math concepts more than our preschool classrooms do.
How does pre-kindergarten prepare children for kindergarten?
Pre-kindergarten programs prepare children for kindergarten by introducing early educational concepts and proper classroom behavior. Practice is key!
What age can children enroll in a pre-K program in North Carolina?
At The Kids Educational Center, the pre-kindergarten age group is five years old. If your child is younger, they will be placed in the infant, toddler, twos, or preschool classroom depending on their age. We also offer before- and after-school childcare for school-age children.
When should I register my child for pre-K?
It’s best to start looking for a pre-kindergarten program at least several months before your desired start date. Planning ahead gives your family more time to explore your options and prepare for this exciting milestone!
What curriculum does Kids Educational Center use for pre-kindergarten?
We use the Learn Everyday curriculum. This curriculum allows the children to participate in individual, small, and large group activities, thus allowing our teachers to focus on the individual needs of each child.