I have a Reggio preschool class. I feel the kids learn the skills based on thier abilities. I cannot ‘force’ a 4 yr old to learn letter sounds if the child cannot yet ryhme,. Reggio allows each child to develop at their level in a setting, while a traditional ‘circle time’ lesson tends to teach one skill level. And the child learns to ‘research’ a subject area (basically the child retains the info he/she is interested in, than what is direct taught w/o application). You do not have to learn one letter at a time (a-b-c…) , instead letters can be taught based on need. A more concrete experience that will help the child remember the letter and sound. As for computers, there are alot of thought on worthiness in a early school setting. Many kids today get too much media exposure at a young age. Computers are not neccesary for learning. Kids pick up media quickly today.

Have you checked Reggio Emelia Alliance of North America on the web?

Also, ask the local school district’s elementary coordinator what the kindergarten teachers’ expectations are for entering kindergartners.

I’m not impressed with the pre-schools that present a school curriculum. Their kids may have more recognized letters and recognize more words than just their name but those skills are only temporary advantages and not required to meet the real purpose of kindergarten.