Preschool is more than just coloring and pasting. In addition to teaching young children their ABCs and how to cut, color, and paste, preschool also prepares children socially as well as academically. It is also an opportunity to adjust to school, teachers, and other children.

It is in preschool years that young children first learn how to self-regulate and to sit still and listen as the teacher gives directions. It is here that they also first learn problem solving skills.

Simple skills such as cutting may seem insignificant to us adults, but it's a fine motor skill that is important to learn before beginning school. Similarly, skills such as dancing in a circle to music and playing with building blocks teach children balance and coordination.

Circle time is a positive preschool activity where small children first learn formal social skills. Children learn to take turns in talking and sharing by raising their hands. It's in preschool where children first learn how to stick up for themselves in a proper way and not bully others. They also learn about good manners and good choices, particularly at snack time where they have to ask to be excused and then clean up after they eat.

The most important lesson for young children is that they learn how to be self- sufficient. In other words, a good preschool educator not only helps students, but also teaches them how to do things for themselves. When your child does start kindergarten, they will have an academic and social head start.

Preschool is a vital part of a starting a young child's  academic and social life.