why choose preschool instead of Pre-k or J-K?

 Depending on what town or city you live in, families have a variety of child care and school choices, especially when children turn 3 or 4 years old. You might be making a choice between a private preschool and a public Pre-K or Junior Kindergarten (J-K). Each family will have their own criteria that helps them decide. The cost of private child care vs. state and locally funded Pre-K or J-K is certainly one of the biggest factors to take into account.

Some other things to consider are:

  • Length of day. (PTCC offers 10 hours of care each day)

  • Length of year. (PTCC is open year-round, with a week of closure at the end of December and a 2 week closure in the summer, between contract years.)

  • Group size and ratios. (P1 has 17 children each day and P2 has 16 children each day. PTCC teacher/child ratios are lower than MA state standards)

  • Accessibility to the teachers, classroom, and building. (PTCC has an open-door policy and actively engages with families, encouraging visits and participation. )

  • Time allotted for children to engage in free play vs. structured activities. (At PTCC, we believe young children learn and grow best at their own pace, through active, play-based activities and emergent curriculum.)

  • Time allotted for children to play outdoors. (At PTCC preschoolers spend an average of 2 hours outside every day. We are located right across from the Charles River, which provides an abundance of beauty as well as many ways to explore nature!)

  • Time allotted for children to eat. (At PTCC preschoolers have between a half-hour to 45 minutes (or even more if wanted!)to sit with peers and teachers to eat)

At ages 3 and 4 children are still spending a tremendous amount of attention and energy on developing social/emotional skills. In a private childcare setting, there are more opportunities for a child to get individual attention from caregivers so that they can get the support and scaffolding that they need. At PTCC there are many BIG emotions felt throughout the day, and caregivers are able to respond with hugs, face-to-face interactions, patience, laughter, and always deep respect.

The PTCC staff is happy to discuss this decision with any family who is wanting some more information or guidance on this topic.