Most parents of gifted children report that their child's precociousness was evident very early on. Highly "alert" and "aware" babies often become toddlers with advanced abilities, and by the time preschool is on the horizon, a child may have completed the milestones for kindergarten readiness.
The choice of a preschool for a child with advanced abilities is complicated not only by the usual questions — location, educational philosophy, price — but also by the fit with the child's learning style. Preschools that fit other criteria may not be good environments for a child on a steeper learning curve.
Some common solutions to the preschool question are:
1. Choose a play-based preschool so that the child can focus on social skills only
Many parents find that a play-based preschool, where no academic content is taught, can encourage their children to open up socially and explore new experiences. Gifted children with social deficits might find a play-based environment easier for making friends. Gifted children with asynchronous development may find a play-based environment, with its emphasis on experiential learning and hands-on activities, enriching and freeing.
On the other hand, play-based preschools can present what seems to be a negative attitude toward children with advanced academic abilities. Parents report that some preschool teachers and administrators accuse parents of "pushing" gifted children and parenting in inappropriate ways. Also, gifted children who thrive doing academic work and are simply not ready for a more advanced level of social interaction may find play-based programs unstimulating, stressful, or confusing.
2. Choose a Montessori-style preschool because Montessori is better for gifted learners
Montessori can be a very good fit for gifted preschoolers. The combination of self-paced learning with the quiet, well-ordered classroom, which works well for gifted children with overexcitabilities, can offer a fruitful environment for a young gifted child. Most Montessori-trained teachers expect a large range of abilities, as Montessori classrooms typically include a three-year age-range. A Montessori teacher will encourage gifted children to go outside their usual inclinations by introducing them to a wide range of activities, and may be more willing to accept that young gifted children are often not ready to socialize with other children in a typical way.
Difficulties with Montessori can start with the fact that Montessori method is not clearly defined across schools. Although many Montessori schools offer appropriate environments for gifted children, other schools that label themselves "Montessori" may offer a radically different approach on the individual level. Also, like all preschools, teachers in Montessori schools vary in their individual approaches and should be judged on an individual basis. Some Montessori teachers may be more conservative and unwilling to bend the rules for children who are learning at a different rate. Finally, just like all preschools, Montessori schools are not right for all personality types. Highly active gifted children may find the quiet, calm atmosphere stifling, and may present behavioral problems.
3. Choose a preschool especially for gifted children
Though these preschools are not common, they do sound attractive to many parents and may work for the children. Such preschools will offer academic learning for younger children, and possibly a wider understanding of the unique social and emotional development of many gifted children.
The drawbacks of such a school include that your gifted preschooler may not test well and thus may not be accepted. Also, many gifted preschoolers' favored playmates are not gifted, and thus the likelihood of finding a social group may be smaller at a program especially designed for gifted children.
4. Homeschool through preschool
Many parents find that their gifted preschooler is just too unusual to fit well with a preschool program. Their local options may be limited, and their child's behavior may be unusual enough that the available preschools are not a good fit. Often, gifted preschoolers are more comfortable talking to and interacting with adults or older children. Because they are not necessarily on the same curve of social development as their typically developing peers, they may be left out of social activities at many preschools.
The drawbacks to homeschooling through the preschool years include lack of challenging social environments for the gifted child, as well as social isolation for both the child and the primary care parent. Because gifted children are often challenging to raise, the primary caretaker may need the break that preschool can offer. And even gifted children who seem to prefer solitude can be stimulated and inspired by the give and take of relationships with other children.
There is no one path that best serves gifted children, just as there is no one path that gifted children will take in their development. Parents should plan to consider the merits of each preschool education choice, but also be flexible if the choice turns out not to work in the child's favor.
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