When is the perfect time to send children to school for the first time? Experiences in early childhood (0 to 6 years old) shape the skills and abilities of human beings; this is the most intense period of brain development in a person's entire life. Especially between 0 and 3 years old, children's brains are most sensitive to outside influences, and this is when rapid cognitive, social, and emotional development takes place. The goal, therefore, should be to achieve the greatest number of neural connections during these years. The greater the stimulation in early childhood, the greater the child's development and learning will be. However, it's important that this stimulation match the child's maturity and stage of development, and it is the school's responsibility to ensure this. Teachers create meaningful educational spaces through which they promote experiences that foster the child's cognitive, linguistic, social, and emotional development, all through resources appropriate to each age and through interaction with peers. What is the ideal age? Given the above, it's important that before turning one year old, children take part in a program that provides appropriate stimulation and helps them master increasingly complex levels of movement, thought, feeling, and socialization. This would be the ideal age to begin exploring, experimenting, adapting to change, and developing a positive attitude toward learning, all under a program specifically designed for the stage of development the child is going through. By the time a child turns two, their brain contains as many synapses as the brain of an average adult. Throughout childhood, these synapses, or neural connections, multiply, and this whole process is shaped by the experiences the child has the opportunity to take part in. The brain never becomes as flexible again as it is during childhood. Hence the importance of schools creating sensory experiences that promote and enhance development at an early age. What should be considered when choosing a school? Parents should choose a school where: Well-designed stimulation programs exist, developed with the child's development in mind. The school curriculum includes a well-rounded education. The teaching methodology is grounded in an established pedagogical approach. Classrooms and recreational areas are spacious enough to support the child's physical development, interaction, and socialization with peers. Staff are made up of professionals trained in pedagogy, health, and psychology, where both teachers and these professionals attend to each child's individuality and learning style, and provide parents with proper guidance throughout the educational process and their child's socio-emotional development. Health, hygiene, and safety protocols are clearly defined. Parents should also find out or be informed about how the school fulfills the following roles: Creating meaningful educational spaces where, through play and sensory experiences, the child develops skills, learns, and builds the foundations for reading and writing. Intentionally observing each child to support their development in all areas: cognitive, linguistic, social, and emotional. Encouraging the child's physical activity and psychomotor development. Stimulating creativity, curiosity, exploration, discovery, and inquiry. Fostering values and care for the environment. Creating experiences that promote independence and autonomy. Encouraging communication, reflection, and understanding so the child builds their own capacity to think, choose, and interact constructively with their peers and their surroundings. What can be done to help the child feel comfortable from day one? The actions parents take to achieve this will vary depending on the child's age; however, from an early age we recommend the following, adapted to the child's age: Talk to them about what the school experience means; how important and fun it is to learn and make friends. Explain that they'll share countless games with friends, but will also need to follow rules and stick to a routine. Read stories about children starting school. You can also share stories and anecdotes from your own school days and/or those of their siblings, if they have any. Involve them in buying school supplies and uniforms; give them the chance to choose, within your budget, what they like best. If they already know some of their future classmates, you can invite them over or to a fun place to share a recreational activity. On the first day of school, say goodbye even if they cry. Don't drag out the goodbye. Avoid appearing anxious when saying goodbye. It's important for the child to see the school before the first day of classes; if possible, also the classroom and the teacher assigned to their group. What skills can we help them develop at home before starting school? The skills parents help their child develop before starting school will also depend on their age, but here are some we recommend working on during the first months of life so the child is able to: Recognize familiar sounds. Move their hands and body with a clear intention. Bring food to their mouth, using their hands and eating utensils depending on their age. Take part in interactive games where the child responds to certain instructions, follows defined patterns, and explores using their senses. Follow a schedule to meet basic needs such as sleeping and eating, in line with the school routine. Express their emotions and needs through gestures and/or words. Listen to stories and children's songs (attention span and response will depend on the child's age). Interact with children their own age (this interest generally develops after 18 months). It's important for parents to: Establish order in both daily routine activities and playtime. Explain each activity to their child in detail. Validate their feelings, while being consistent in enforcing established rules and setting consequences if they aren't followed. Any additional advice you'd like to add, or anything else we should keep in mind? Modern life has led parents to juggle their schedules and responsibilities based on the time available and their ability to multitask; however, it's important that, based on what's feasible, parents choose the school that, after an objective evaluation, they believe will best support their child's development, rather than choosing based on distance or convenience. Avoid over-stimulating your child. Excessive stimulation is harmful to brain development. Follow the recommendations of teachers, professionals with expertise in the field, and the school you have chosen. Create opportunities for constant, quality interaction with your child; parents and family are the main players in children's socio-emotional development. It's important to keep in mind that raising and educating children is not something to be delegated entirely to school; it is a shared responsibility in which parents' active involvement will make a difference in the results achieved. Studies show that active parental involvement in children's learning and school-related activities has a positive impact on their academic performance. All of this shows us that the first six years of life are the most important for children's development, and that this is a stage that cannot be recovered later; your child is the most valuable thing you have.
