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Writer's pictureJoanna Colida

Common Challenges in Preschool: How ADE Supports Preschoolers & Families


At ADE Preschools, we understand that each stage of early childhood comes with its own unique challenges and developmental milestones. Whether a child is just beginning their early learning journey or preparing for pre-kindergarten, certain behaviours are not only common but also expected as part of their growth. Our team is committed to providing a supportive environment where these behaviours are addressed with patience and care, ensuring that each child can thrive during this important stage of development.


Developmental Milestones: What to Expect in Early Learning (18 Months to 3 Years Old)

During the early learning phase, children are hitting key developmental milestones that involve rapid growth in motor skills, language acquisition, social development, and emotional regulation. These milestones are essential for their future learning and well-being, and the challenges that arise are a natural part of their development.


Common Challenges in Early Learning and How We Address Them:

  • Separation Anxiety

    • Developmental Context: At this age, children are developing a sense of attachment to caregivers and may have difficulty when separated from their parents. Separation anxiety is common and developmentally appropriate as they begin to understand the concept of "object permanence"—knowing that people exist even when they are not in sight.

    • How We Address It: Our educators use comforting routines and build strong, trusting relationships with each child. Gentle transitions, consistent schedules, and warm, predictable interactions help ease the separation process over time. We communicate closely with parents to support this adjustment, reinforcing that this anxiety will fade as children feel more secure in their new environment.


  • Communication Frustration

    • Developmental Context: Toddlers are in the early stages of language development, often experiencing a gap between what they understand and what they can express. This can lead to frustration when they can’t articulate their needs or emotions.

    • How We Address It: Our educators use repetitive language, songs, and visual cues to help children communicate effectively. We also teach simple sign language and model emotional expression to reduce frustration. By acknowledging their efforts and offering alternative communication tools, we help children build confidence in expressing themselves.


  • Sharing and Turn-Taking

    • Developmental Context: At this stage, toddlers are just beginning to grasp the concept of sharing and may not yet understand that others have needs too. It's natural for them to view toys and activities as extensions of their own experiences.

    • How We Address It: We use group play to model sharing and turn-taking, encouraging cooperation through games and guided activities. Our educators give gentle reminders and set clear, consistent boundaries. Over time, children learn to navigate social interactions with their peers, developing patience and understanding.


  • Tantrums and Emotional Regulation

    • Developmental Context: Emotional regulation is still in the early stages of development for toddlers. They are learning to manage strong emotions, which often leads to tantrums when they feel overwhelmed or unable to express their needs.

    • How We Address It: Our team helps children identify and name their emotions, offering strategies for self-soothing such as deep breathing or taking a break. We provide a calm, supportive environment where they can safely express their feelings and begin to practice emotional control. Through consistency and positive reinforcement, we guide children toward managing their emotions more effectively.


Developmental Milestones: What to Expect in Pre-Kindergarten (3 to 5 Years Old)

As children move into the pre-kindergarten phase, they become more socially aware and independent. At this stage, children are refining their cognitive, social, and motor skills, preparing for the transition to more structured learning environments. Their behaviours often reflect this growing independence and desire to engage with the world in more complex ways.


Common Challenges in Pre-Kindergarten and How We Address Them

  • Developing Friendships and Social Skills

    • Developmental Context: By the age of 3 to 5, children are becoming more socially aware and are eager to form friendships. However, navigating the complexities of peer relationships—such as sharing, resolving conflicts, and including others—can be a challenge.

    • How We Address It: Our educators model positive social interactions and encourage cooperative play through group activities and role-playing scenarios. We teach children empathy by helping them understand others' perspectives and feelings, fostering an environment of kindness and respect. When conflicts arise, we guide children in resolving them peacefully, building essential conflict-resolution skills.


  • Testing Boundaries and Asserting Independence

    • Developmental Context: As children gain independence, they naturally begin testing boundaries as part of their cognitive development. Saying “no” or challenging rules is a way for them to explore autonomy and understand limits.

    • How We Address It: At ADE Preschools, we set clear, consistent rules while providing opportunities for children to make choices within structured boundaries. This balance allows them to assert independence while learning about responsibility and consequences. Our educators use positive reinforcement to encourage cooperation and guide children in understanding the importance of following rules.


  • Emotional Outbursts and Coping with Frustration

    • Developmental Context: In pre-kindergarten, children are still learning how to manage more complex emotions, such as frustration, disappointment, and jealousy. Emotional outbursts can occur when tasks feel overwhelming or when they experience social difficulties.

    • How We Address It: We teach emotional regulation techniques, such as using words to express feelings or taking a calming break when upset. Our educators offer supportive guidance, helping children identify what triggered their emotions and working through solutions together. Over time, children learn to navigate frustration in a more constructive way.


  • Difficulty with Focus and Self-Control

    • Developmental Context: While pre-kindergarteners are developing stronger attention spans, they may still struggle with focusing on tasks for extended periods or controlling impulses.

    • How We Address It: Our educators implement activities that are designed to gradually build focus and self-control, such as mindfulness exercises, interactive group games, and hands-on projects that engage children’s attention. By gently guiding them through longer tasks and encouraging patience, we help children develop these critical skills.


  • Kindergarten Readiness

    • Developmental Context: As children approach kindergarten age, they may feel excited but also anxious about the transition to "big school." It’s common for pre-kindergarteners to express worry about new environments or more structured settings.

    • How We Address It: At ADE Preschools, we gradually introduce children to more structured learning experiences, such as extended group activities, following multi-step directions, and practicing independence with self-help skills. This helps them feel confident and prepared for the next step in their educational journey.


How ADE Preschools Works as a Team to Support Developmentally Appropriate Behaviours

At ADE Preschools, we recognize that each behaviour—whether challenging or not—is part of a child's developmental journey. Our approach is rooted in understanding the developmental milestones of each age group and addressing challenges with empathy, patience, and evidence-based strategies.


Our educators work closely as a team, collaborating on strategies for classroom management, sharing insights on each child’s progress, and creating individualized approaches for children who may need additional support. By fostering strong communication with parents, we ensure that families are partners in their child’s growth, addressing any concerns early and working together to guide children through their challenges.


We also believe in preventing challenging behaviours by setting up positive environments that encourage exploration, cooperation, and emotional safety. By building trust and creating an atmosphere of mutual respect, we help children develop the social-emotional skills they need to succeed in both early learning and pre-kindergarten.


If you’re looking for a preschool that understands the developmental needs of your child and provides tailored support every step of the way, enroll today at ADE Preschools and join a community dedicated to helping your child grow and thrive!


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