Preschool Took Most Toys and Centers Out???

I wish we had a school like this by us! lol. When my son went to 3yr old preschool, all I looked for was the most toys and fun, thinking he would be happier, and he was happy, however he didnt really learn as much as I had hoped and was actually distracted a lot of the times by all the toys around him. This year we looked for a little more academic based preschool with fun elements, and great teachers! The teachers can make all the difference in my opinion, and I strongly suggest meeting the actual teacher of the class if at all possible.
Most of the preschools around me have way too many toys in my opinion. I agree with Sandy, sometimes they introduce things in to show the kids how to use it or introduce it when it ties in to the particular theme of the week or whatever. I think a little more organization and thought goes into this type of teaching/learning and I think the kids truly benefit.
Kids will learn and have fun just about anywhere. My friend sends her child to montessori and tells me they have no toys at all there. Just learning/development type things. Some of the things they have the kids do (learn) are to polish silverware, and wash dishes, and the kids love it! lol.

Some preschools INtroduce their centers one at a time, these are the rules and how you play with them. then let the kids practice under supervision before they intro another center. Some will rotate their centers and toys so that every few weeks the kids get NEW stuff! Ask about these policies and let them explain what they do. Hopefully they have more stuff and will put it out as year goes on. More important issues are How many teachers to 12 kids? how do they discipline?

in my daycare, I have 2 just-turned 2yo boys....& 2 girls- 3yo & a 4yo.

Earlier this year, I removed the big kitchen set...because it was being ignored &/or abused. They were tired of it. (normally I save it for winter)

One month later, I removed the bulk of the babies, blankets, etc. I believe I have 4 dolls out & that's it. What I noticed was that the kids were stuck in a rut & playing the same game over/over again....& were not moving forward developmentally.

Over the course of the next few weeks, we had lightening fast development! It was truly amazing how this impacted the kids! I have always followed the method of rotating in/out activities....but to take it all away, leaving just a few basic.....NEVER! The parents commented on the changes, had noticed the improvements in development, & were shocked that something so simple could trigger such change. I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

& as for bright, colorful, kid-oriented.....my daycare is in my home. Each of my families chose me due to a desire for a "homey" atmosphere, rather than that of a facility. Sorry...can't comment on that one! Whooops....yes, I can: my younger son is a H.S. freshman. Over the course of his school years, quite a few of his teachers have opted for a "decorated" look for their classrooms....bringing in actual furniture, lamps, etc. Interesting!

I just put my kids in a pre-k and kindergarten. I was shocked that the school was not all decked out. When I worked at an elementary, they were all colorful and full of painted murals, affirmations painted on the walls, just fun happy, cheery places. This one is bare minimum. I dont know if it's a poor school or if they are in the "less is more" camp too. I even wondered if they didn't feel it would be overstimulating for all the kids with ADD/HD so they scaled it back?

Only so many kids can play in one center at a time, they really don't need to have tubs and tubs of toys to get dumped then not played with. I agree with the preschools. Although, 3 centers is not a lot to cover manipulative's, puzzles, art, home making, blocks, reading, trucks and cars, pets, etc.... I do think perhaps some of those things may be in a different area and not out in the open all the time but can be used if the kids want to use it.

The reason I agree with limiting the toy supply is this:
With our 4 yr. old who has sensory issues too many toys over stimulate his brain and he can't see the trees for the forest. He sees a carpet of colors and does not see the toys. He gets bored and needs to be entertained.

On the other hand, when we take most of his toys out he will go in his room and play for hours. We switch his toys out every week and he stays content and happy with the less amount of toys.