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Early Learning & Elementary

Birth to 5th Grade

This page will share information to help parents navigate such decisions as daycare, homeschooling, stay home care, choosing the right school, aftercare programs, activities, teacher-parent interaction, school and state (in general) assessments, and much more. However, if there are specific questions, include them in the comment section at the bottom of the page.

Brief Overview

Henson, 15 months, at beach in 2007.
Photo credit: Clarissa West-White


From birth to fifth grade is a crucial time in a child's development. Parents often put off worrying about formal lessons, homework, and projects until their children are enrolled in kindergarten, even though we know that brain activity begins and can be stimulated while the child is still in the womb. Therefore, it would be advantageous to maintain this stimulation after delivery and well before children enter kindergarten. 

 The Shake, Rattle and Roll post found on Play! Sing! Talk! Read! Write! Gadsden's blog highlights activities that parents can practice with their infants that incorporates movement and music. There is also one, Writing in the Sand, that includes activities that can be completed at the beach.



Stay Home Care or Daycare? The Tale of Two Brothers

 Unfortunately, not all parents have a choice, and must choose some form of daycare. In close-knit communities, parents maybe able to arrange for family or friends to care for their preschool aged children in their homes or only a few several minutes to drop them. 

 We were quite blessed as college professors to have flexible schedules and for my father to come over two-three days a week as needed to keep our first-born, Henson (named after Matthew Henson). We were able to keep him home until he entered VPK-4 for half a day at a small, private facility. Prior to his admittance, he had been reading for two years, could write, and complete basic arithmetic. He knew a lot, but there were skills that we had not thought mattered such as swinging, and had not focused on them. It was not until we met with his teacher periodically for conferences that we learned there were many skills a 4 year-old, based on the school's curriculum, needed to master to be successful when entering elementary school. We were very pleased with our decision to allow him to go from 9am-noon and then participate in gymnastics, soccer, and acting for socialization.
It may appear that parents treat their firstborn as heirs to the throne but subsequent children as minor monarchs. 

 By the time we had our second born, I was six years older and had experienced a horrifying miscarriage 14 months prior to giving birth; thus, I resigned from my teaching post during my first trimester. Houston (named after my maternal grandmother's surname) was also fortunate to remain home. When I returned to working, we were able to have my mother come over periodically to keep him if my husband's and my schedules conflicted. It was not until I accepted a teaching position out of the area that we had to seek daycare. My mother was well into her seventies, so she was not able, although willing, to keep him. We asked around and it so happened that a cousin, whose child had recently entered Pre-K at a magnate school in the county, referred us to the lady who kept her son. Miss Cynthia maintained a daycare in her home. The weekly rate was feasible and included meals and snacks. When we were all finally reunited, he began attending a Christian, predominately African-American academy that was within walking distance of University we both taught. The weekly fee included meals and snacks as well as a structured day of classes and playtime and weekly homework. He can read quite a number of sight words, count, and write his name and numbers. He will enter VPK in August at the same elementary school his brother attends.
Houston (L) and Henson (R)
Photo credit: Clarissa West-White
Because children are different, it is difficult to say which one had a better birth-Pre-K school experience. Henson loved books from birth. I would check out 20 children books a week from the library and read them to him each week. He learned to read with Dr. Suess. He still reads at least a book or two a week and more when school is out. Houston likes books. When I read him books, he enjoys it, but does not want to hear more than one or two at a time. He prefers games. We also recognize because of the move, some of the activities that were available to Henson in one part of the state, are not as abundant here. Therefore, Houston has yet to participate in acting, gymnastics, or soccer, and Henson has participated in flag football and acting through the theater department at the University where we teach. 
Would I keep both at home again? Yes. However, this is not always an option nor does it guarantee that there will not be hiccups when they transition to school (Yes, even if you home school, but that's another topic.). 
  • Since they were kept home and contact with people limited, their immune systems were weak. When they began school, they were often sick from allergens, took longer time to recuperate from colds, and missed days from school.
  • They preferred adults. Henson is still our "old man". Although he plays well with others, he prefers to carry on conversations with adults. Houston takes a lot of time to get to know people before he speaks. The Christian academy wanted to refer him for testing because they did not think he could talk, even though he talked a lot at home. One day, when his dad picked him up, he shared with him all that the teacher had taught over the course of several weeks.
  • They both avoid conflict, but Houston will stand up for himself quicker and in more definite terms than Henson. Henson is going to report the misdeed to an adult; Houston is going to quietly respond on his terms but won't tell. 

Whether you stay at home, work from home, or work outside of the home, you may choose to secure out-of-the-home childcare. My advice is to 

  1. ask friends and family and physicians for referrals.
  2. check references.
  3. check your local Children and Families or Health departments for providers.
  4. ascertain who maintains complaints against providers and check them.
  5. pop in for an unscheduled visit to sign up for a tour.
  6. ask if the provider will allow you to bring your child for a visit.
  7. see if your employer sponsors a daycare center.
  8. see if you are eligible for any state, federal, or private funds to assist with cost. Some assistance is not income dependent, and some places have other ways to calculate cost so do not assume a great place is out of your financial reach.
Whatever your decision, maintaining an active and viable support system is still necessary. Emergencies happen. Make sure your providers update and enforce the list of people who are allowed to pick up your child. Sending someone to pick up your child and being told they cannot will only add to the stress you are experiencing. Want to attend an adult function? Family and friends are great to have, but you have to ensure that they are trustworthy and meet your standards. When in doubt, back out.

Parents.com, healthychildren.org, and KidsHealth.org offer additional tips for choosing a childcare provider, as well as such sites as Angie's List.  Read the following articles and decide for yourself:

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