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Why is preschool education important for my child?

Is preschool education necessary for my child? Isn’t my child too young to be a part of a structured learning environment? Will my child be able to cope with the anxiety of separation?

If you are worried about all of this and a lot more, here are five reasons why preschool education is the best choice you can make for your little one – as advised by experts.

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  1. Early years mark the period of highest brain development
    The size of a newborn’s brain, which is around a quarter of an average adult brain size, grows double in size in the first 12 months. By the age of three, it reaches 80% of an adult’s brain size and 90% of a child’s brain is developed by the time they reach the age of five. Early educators and parents often remark that a child’s brain acts as a sponge during these years. Research has revealed that early childhood experiences have a direct impact on the child’s brain development affecting their health, learning ability and success in life in the long term.
  2. They have a huge amount of time and energy
    Children in the early years have a high level of energy coupled with an ample amount of free time. This is a dangerous combination for parents as keeping children engaged all the time is a real struggle. Sending your child to a preschool is a great way to channel their energy and keep them engaged in activities that provide meaningful experiences that directly impact their well-being in life.

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  1. All-round development is a necessity, not an option
    Attending preschool is much more than learning ABC’s and 123’s. Early years are the best time to give your children the headstart they need to achieve the developmental milestones. A loving, stimulating and multicultural environment is a golden opportunity to learn the social and emotional skills that last a lifetime. Children learn to take turns, listen to each other, apologise, understand, accept the differences, empathise and be compassionate with their peers to mention a few. However insignificant it might seem in the early years, it is important to understand that this strong foundation is crucial to building a character and personality that ensures success in both personal and professional life in the long term.
  2. The structured setting provides a smooth transition to school life
    A well-planned classroom with teachers, children of the same age group, child-friendly learning materials and activities help a child to learn about the routine and structure while promoting independence. Children learn to follow instructions, take turns, share attention, ask questions, strengthen their fine motor skills, language skills, cognitive skills, thinking skills and develop grace and courtesy which prepares them for a smooth transition to formal school life.
  3. It gives you the work-life balance that you need
    Last but not the least, we all need time to grow, learn, work, relax, follow our passion and live a fulfilling life. Even parents need that space and time. While children are away at school learning about the world, exploring, developing skills and making friends, you have a great opportunity to work, pursue your hobbies, relax or catch up with an old friend.

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Research by the US National Institute of Health (NIH) suggests that preschool education has a profound impact on the lives of the children later on. Children who receive early childhood education are more likely to carry the values they have learnt into adulthood.

International organisations and leaders around the world are recognising the importance of early childhood education. Even United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) emphasises the many benefits of preschool education stating,

“Early childhood care and education (ECCE) is more than preparation for primary school. It aims at the holistic development of a child’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs to build a solid and broad foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing. ECCE can nurture caring, capable and responsible future citizens.”

Given the fact that children are greatly influenced by their surroundings and the people in it, giving a quality preschool education to your child is the best decision you can make as a parent.

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Meaningful years with The children’s house since 1986

Born out of passion and love of children, The children’s house believes in giving every child the best possible childhood and foundation for life through the Montessori approach.

The first and longest established Montessori preschool in Malaysia, The children’s house (TCH) has grown from a single Montessori preschool in 1986 to 15 schools across Kuala Lumpur and Selangor today.

Our name and logo are a perfect reflection of who we are. The children’s house is not just a preschool, it is a home away from home, a trusted companion, and a steward in the learning journey of your child.

A new venture, a new gain

The children’s house was born out of the vision of Nan Civel, fondly known as Aunty Nan.  Having worked for ten years with Unilever Malaysia, Nan Civel decided to pursue her passion for Early Childhood Education in 1983. Inspired by Dr Maria Montessori, she embarked on a 3-year course of study and work programme in the Maria Montessori Training Organisation in England, United Kingdom, subsequently receiving her Diploma in Montessori Education. This gave her the confidence and motivation to open the first Montessori preschool in 5 Jalan Batai Barat in 1986.

Starting with a small team consisting of a young enthusiastic trainee teacher, an administrator, the family cook and her four-year-old son, Nan Civel managed to unpack, clean and organise the imported materials that came from Europe. “We then dropped 500 leaflets in the letterbox of the houses in the neighbourhood and waited nervously. The first set of parents who came to visit the school were from France. The second parents were from Sweden and they interrogated me for an hour, checked my credentials, knowledge and experience. I was relieved when they finally decided to entrust us with their children,” says Nan Civel.

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As the first preschool in Malaysia to apply the complete and comprehensive Montessori Method of education, Montessori not only changed the life of Aunty Nan, but also made a positive difference in the early childhood education landscape in Malaysia.

The co-founder of The children’s house, Nur Jiwawati Aris, also fondly known as Ji Aris has been managing the organisation for more than 30 years now. Initially responsible for the Financial and Business Development of The children’s house, she holds an American Bachelor’s Degree in International Business Management. Her interest in early childhood education began in 1988 when due to close collaboration with Nan Civel, she was also actively involved in operations and the enhancement of quality improvement of facilities and curriculum.

Her quest in keeping the heritage curriculum of Montessori dynamic and relevant is unfading as she believes that the nurturing of the powerful minds of the children must begin now as they have the potential to be the leaders of tomorrow.

With deep respect and love for the unique, magical minds of children, Aunty Nan and Ji Aris continue to keep abreast with new research and best practices improving and injecting new ideas for the betterment of the children.

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Celebrating 35 years of The Children’s house

With every passing year, The children’s house has only gotten bigger and better than before, completing 35 years of excellence in early childhood education in the year 2021.

Working together as a family rooted in ethics and respect, we value a child’s development and well being the most.

In the words of our Founder, Nan Civel, “At The children’s house, children are the number one priority and the atmosphere is specially created to make children feel at home in a surrounding, scaled down to a child’s dimensions.”

We always ensure that our Montessori environment undergoes constant refurbishments and is meticulously designed to ensure that it is conducive and stimulating for the ever-changing needs of children in the 21st century and beyond.

Our teachers are our greatest treasure. They are warm, loving, nurturing and respectful of every child. Many of them have grown with us from the very beginning and are committed to providing the best learning experience for our children.

We believe in establishing caring, harmonious and long term relationships with our parents and colleagues.

Each growing moment in The children’s house fills our hearts with joy as we are reminded of why we continue to do what we love best; Children.

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What is the right time to start preschool?

Parents are always looking for ways to create a great future for their children. From providing a safe home to educational toys, as well as the best books and rhymes stacking the shelves, is there anything a parent wouldn’t do?

Well, in setting the path for your child’s future successes, we suggest that aside from providing for your children physically, the best thing you can do is to provide them with a great preschool experience.

But what is the right time to start preschool? As a parent, it is common to ponder on the best time for a child to start preschool. We recommend assessing the progress your toddler has made in each of these developmental milestones below, to help you make that decision.