This program has more of a structured feel, like a kindergarten – it’s perfect for getting children familiar with the classroom setting before they go off to school. The teacher will follow a curriculum and have a daily activity plan, guiding the children to carry out those activities. There is usually a period of free play time, in which kids have a specified amount of time to choose individual things to do (much like the stations in a play-centered preschool), but for the most part the activities are planned, and done as a class. This philosophy offers a quieter, more low-key environment and has a greater emphasis on academic-type projects such as working with pencil and paper – closer to the kinds of class work a kindergartner might do (although it’s more for practice and fun, of course; kids of this age aren’t expected to be academically “on par” with kindergartners).
Summary: Teacher-Directed/Academic preschools offer a more organized learning environment, where the teacher guides the children through scheduled – but fun! – activities. This type of program aims to help children adapt to a classroom setting, making them better prepared for school.
Is this right for my child? If your child is able to follow instructions, can be attentive and sit still and concentrate for a while, and does well with structure and direction, then he’ll benefit from this type of program. But if he is very active, with a short attention span, and doesn’t do well following directions, a different approach to learning is in order.