Choosing a Preschool

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the preschool years! Your child can walk, talk and use the potty (most of the time), and he is ready for preschool! Preschool is the first step into years of learning for your child, and choosing a preschool is a big decision. As with all things parenting, don’t fret. Many parents ahead of you have made this journey and you can too! Below are some things to consider when choosing a preschool for your child.

What type of preschool?

Preschools may offer a few different learning environments. Some are more academic, like a younger version of kindergarten, while others follow a more play-based model, such as the Montessori method. According to Anne Zachry’s article “6 Types of Preschool Programs,” featured on Parents.com, “The Montessori approach emphasizes nature, creativity and hands-on learning with gentle guidance provided by the teachers. The goal of the Montessori method is to develop a child's senses, character, practical life skills and academic ability.” Consider how your child tends to learn best and which type of program would fit your family. An example of a play-based model Montessori is Agape Montessori Schools.

Many churches and public schools also offer preschool options that may be the right fit for your family, such as the one at Little Treasures Learning Center at Indian Creek Church in Olathe. “Full disclosure: My mother-in-law is the director at my kids' preschool so that was a big part of our consideration, but after looking around, it was the best fit for our kids. We looked at preschools with a couple of different discipline techniques, love and logic, conscious discipline, etc., to see what would be the best fit for our kids. I also wanted a play-based preschool that limited the number of worksheets that they used in the classroom,” says Jessi Cole, Overland Park mother of three.

What age?

Most preschools offer preschool classes for 3- to 5-year-olds, but some programs also offer day-out programs for younger children, as well as transitional pre-kindergarten classes for older children not quite ready for traditional kindergarten. As the parent, you get to choose when you want to send your child to preschool. Preschool is not a requirement. Kansas and Missouri do not even have a kindergarten requirement. So if you’re not quite ready to send your 3-year-old to preschool, maybe you would be more comfortable waiting until she’s a 4-year-old to help her prepare for kindergarten. You also have the option simply to forego mainstream preschool altogether.

Days and times

Another decision to make is how many days a week to send your child to preschool, which specific days, as well as morning or afternoon and how many hours a day he will attend. Whether your child is still napping or has outgrown that need will be a consideration too. Having younger children at home may affect your decision. Having your preschooler attend class within a specific time may help your days run a bit more smoothly with a new baby for instance. “I wanted a preschool with a five-day, half-day transitional kindergarten class,” Jessi Cole, Overland Park mother of three, says. “My boys are both summer birthdays, and I knew that we would be delaying kindergarten to give them a little more time to mature. They have all attended Little Treasures Learning Center at Indian Creek Community Church at 123rd and Black Bob.”

Staff Retention

Ashley Cornell, Olathe mother of three, adds a unique angle from teaching preschool before becoming a mother. “I also took into consideration the staff retention rate. I knew from my background of teaching preschool that if the staff are there for many years, they are probably treated well, have lots of experience and love teaching!” Cornell is the parent of a student from Aldersgate Preschool in Olathe.

Research, Register Early and Get Referrals

If you are considering preschool within the upcoming six to 12 months, begin your research and registration process early and ask for referrals. “I started with referrals. It seemed like three or four preschools were mentioned over and over again, so those are the ones I investigated further,” says Amy Siebert, Overland Park mother of two. Carrie Miller, Olathe mother of three, says, “We absolutely loved Little Treasures. It was referred to me by my neighbor who also loved it. And it led me to MOPS!”

Trust your gut

“I considered price, days/times, location and general feel for the program from the website and a phone call before I chose which ones to visit in person. Going in person was for my final decision,” Siebert says. “A place can be perfect in so many ways, but still not feel right for you and your kids. I love where we ended up, and they were very good for our family during our pre-k years!”

In the end, children are sponges and learn all day every day. Personally, we looked into preschools and I was not prepared to decide on a preschool in February before my daughter was 3. I decided that I was staying home with my kids and didn’t mind doing preschool at home with them. I have successfully done preschool at home with my two older kids and have begun teaching my 2-and-a-half-year-old this year. You’ll find plenty of preschool options for your family, so trust your gut and change courses later if need be.

Stephanie Loux is the mother of Layla, 7, Mason, 5, and Slade, 2, and writes from her home. You can check out more of her writing at LettersFromTheLouxs.blogspot.com.