MECK Pre-K Blog

MECK Pre-K Blog

Welcome to the MECK Pre-K Blog.
Check back regularly for relevant information on MECK Pre-K and Early Education.

How to Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem & Confidence

How to Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem & Confidence

Kids need us to know we are their biggest fans. And just telling them isn’t enough to build the self-confidence they require to become the person they’re meant to be.
Understanding how to build your child’s self-esteem sets them up for long-term success.

read more
When Should I Apply for Preschool?

When Should I Apply for Preschool?

The importance of pre-K (a school-year long program that takes place immediately before a child’s Kindergarten year) to childhood development cannot be overstated. Attending pre-K helps children gain confidence and self-esteem. It helps them get accustomed to school routines. It teaches them how to communicate with teachers and peers. It lights up pathways in the brain that will be absolutely essential to later learning.

read more
Teaching Children to Read: Follow These Steps

Teaching Children to Read: Follow These Steps

Are you looking for fun and impactful ways to help you teach your child to read? This guide is designed specifically for new parents like you seeking ways to support their children’s early literacy development.

read more
Open Ended Play: What is Open Ended Play?

Open Ended Play: What is Open Ended Play?

Open-ended play occurs when kids play independently by examining and manipulating materials without a specific goal, set of instructions, or adult direction.
Unlike structured play, which typically involves an adult establishing predetermined rules and objectives, open-ended play has no clear endpoint or predetermined outcomes.

read more
In Person vs Online Pre-K: Which Is Better?

In Person vs Online Pre-K: Which Is Better?

With the rise of online learning, parents face a dilemma, which type of education is right for their child – online pre-K or in-person?
While some educators believe online learning can be an effective alternative to in-person schooling, other educational experts strongly disagree, arguing that nothing can replace the benefits of face-to-face interaction.

read more
Important Lessons to Teach Kids

Important Lessons to Teach Kids

Teaching children essential lessons is a crucial aspect of parenting, and it helps them develop strong values and habits that will serve them well throughout their lives. Here are some of the most important lessons to teach kids.

read more
Is Pre-K Free in Mecklenburg County?

Is Pre-K Free in Mecklenburg County?

So, how many hours does a pre-K day last? Pre-K programs vary, and may have different lengths. While some programs last a half day or about three to four hours, others have full-day options to accommodate children and parents.

read more
How Many Hours Is Pre-K A Day? A Complete Guide

How Many Hours Is Pre-K A Day? A Complete Guide

So, how many hours does a pre-K day last? Pre-K programs vary, and may have different lengths. While some programs last a half day or about three to four hours, others have full-day options to accommodate children and parents.

read more
Creative Curriculum in the Classroom

Creative Curriculum in the Classroom

Teachers plan opportunities for children to satisfy their innate curiosity by investigating interesting topics in developmentally appropriate ways. This curriculum not only covers essential content but also pushes children to be independent learners by using a project approach.

read more
Half Day Pre-K vs. Full Day Pre-K: Which Is Better?

Half Day Pre-K vs. Full Day Pre-K: Which Is Better?

Preschool can play a valuable part in a child’s early education and social development — but is your child ready for preschool or pre-K and how much time should children four-year-olds actually be spending in the classroom?

read more
Preschool Graduation Tips & Tricks

Preschool Graduation Tips & Tricks

The transition from preschool to kindergarten is a major milestone for children. Your child learns valuable skills all year long and has every reason to smile. Now’s your chance to reinforce their love of learning with a preschool graduation party.

read more
Benefits of Pre-K for Your Child

Benefits of Pre-K for Your Child

It can be tough to decide whether to enroll your child in pre-k when they are only 3 or 4 years old. Yet, research has shown that children build a strong foundation in social, pre-academic, and general life skills during preschool.

read more
Preschool vs. Pre-Kindergarten: Similarities and Differences

Preschool vs. Pre-Kindergarten: Similarities and Differences

Every child deserves a high-quality early childhood education. This may include both preschool and pre-kindergarten. There are some misconceptions out there concerning these two programs — namely that they’re the same thing. That’s why we’re going to compare preschool and pre-K, and discuss their many differences and similarities.

read more
The Top Traits of an Exceptional Pre-K Teacher

The Top Traits of an Exceptional Pre-K Teacher

As a parent, you want to know your child is in good hands. That’s why we at MECK Pre-K are committed to hiring qualified teachers and assistant teachers in all of our schools. Learn more about what to expect from your child’s pre-K teacher and assistant teacher before the school year begins.

read more
How Long Is Pre-K?

How Long Is Pre-K?

Are you getting ready to enroll your child in pre-K? If so, you probably have some questions about your child’s age, program duration, and scheduling considerations. Here’s what you need to know before enrollment.

read more
Everything You Need to Know for Pre-K Enrollment

Everything You Need to Know for Pre-K Enrollment

Pre-K is a major component of a great early childhood education. This program helps prepare children for the social and academic challenges ahead in kindergarten and all their schooling to come. Given the importance of pre-K, many parents experience stress about whether or not their child is ready, or how to enroll. We’re here to help by answering all of these questions!

read more
What Age Is Pre-K?

What Age Is Pre-K?

The average age of a child entering pre-K in the US is between three and four, but typically pre-K starts at age four. Programs that accept children at younger ages may be categorized as preschools, not pre-K.

read more
How to Find a Free Pre-K Near You

How to Find a Free Pre-K Near You

Believe it or not, pre-k programs aren’t all free of charge. Certain programs are limited based on income requirements, while others vary by state. Here are a few things to know as you search for free pre-K options in your area.

read more
Navigating the Pre-K Admissions Process

Navigating the Pre-K Admissions Process

Once upon a time, it seems, parents didn’t have to think about lining up schooling for their children for the first few years. Today, parents are researching, contacting, and applying to programs mere months after their child’s birth. Understanding the pre-kindergarten admissions process for one’s child can be daunting. That’s why we’ve put together this primer.

read more
A Pre-K Education Starts With the Right Curriculum

A Pre-K Education Starts With the Right Curriculum

The key difference between preschool and daycare is the pre-K curriculum. A curriculum is what educators intend to teach their students over the course of a semester or school year. A preschool curriculum should encourage learning and growth in a number of areas to prepare children for kindergarten. This includes their literacy abilities, social skills, attitude toward learning, and much more.

read more
How Do I Know Which Public Pre-K Option Is Best for Me?

How Do I Know Which Public Pre-K Option Is Best for Me?

The preschool years for children are a vital time for their emotional, cognitive, and social development. It is where they make decisions, socialize, interact with others, and develop their speech, motor, and sensory skills. Attending a high-quality education program at this level can set children up for academic success in the future. This is why it is important to make an informed decision on which public pre-K to send your child to.

read more
When Should I Start Thinking About Pre-K?

When Should I Start Thinking About Pre-K?

It’s never too early to start thinking about your child’s pre-K options. However, you shouldn’t enroll them until they’re the appropriate age and have the minimum skills they need to adjust to a pre-K environment.

read more
What Is The Difference Between Preschool and Pre-K?

What Is The Difference Between Preschool and Pre-K?

In this post, we’ll answer the question, “What is the difference between preschool and pre-K?” and explain the importance of a pre-K program for your children. Research shows that a high-quality pre-K program benefits children not only throughout their education but even during adulthood.

read more
What Should I Know Before Enrolling My Child in a Pre-K Program?

What Should I Know Before Enrolling My Child in a Pre-K Program?

Parents have a limited time to decide on a pre-K program and enroll a child. They can prepare in advance by knowing their options and gathering supporting documents to accompany their application. When parents have what is needed for pre-K enrollment, the process goes more smoothly!

read more
Is Pre-K Better than Keeping My Child at Home?

Is Pre-K Better than Keeping My Child at Home?

As a parent, you want the best for your child and will do anything to ensure they have an excellent education. But you may be wondering whether you should send them to pre-K or whether you should homeschool them instead. It’s a difficult question, and you will be searching for some detailed answers.

read more