Choosing a Preschool
Children who attend preschool benefit from higher graduation rates and improved school readiness, research shows. Attending preschool provides a foundation for learning, no matter what preschool you choose. However, finding the preschool that’s right for your child can be overwhelming. Here are a few things to consider before enrolling your child in preschool.
What is the school’s philosophy?
Kimberly Cordonnier, children’s program director at UCP of Northwest Missouri and mother of two from St. Joseph, says parents should make sure the philosophy of the school aligns with what they value in their child’s early education. For example, some programs focus mainly on academics, while others incorporate social skills along with academics. “Parents should consider what they want to get out of the preschool experience when making their decision on where to send their child for preschool,” she says.
What is the school’s learning structure?
Preschool settings feature two different types of learning structures, Cordonnier says. Teacher-led structure is more academic based. “The teacher is the one deciding what to teach young children and what experiences they should have,” she says. “Classroom time is devoted to learning letters and sounds, distinguishing shapes and colors, telling time and other skills. The teacher seems to follow a thematic curriculum that involves drills and practice. The focus seems to be more on memorization and not focused on developing the whole child.”
Child-led learning is more play-based. Teachers observe the children’s interests and choose topics that align with those interests. “Teachers are able to introduce social emotional skills along with academic concepts that include hands-on experiences based on the children’s interests,” Cordonnier explains. “Child-led activities are more meaningful to young children, and more learning is taking place. Child-led activities allow children to be creative and work on their problem-solving skills.”
Referrals
Talk to your friends, family and neighbors about which preschools they chose for their children and why. Ask about their experiences and what the pros and cons were of the school. Referrals will give you an idea of what schools you might want to tour and learn more about.
What are the teacher qualifications?
It’s important to ask what qualifications the teachers have. Do they have a background in early childhood education? Are they up-to-date on trainings? How do they interact with children, and how do they handle discipline? Also, examine the staff turnover rate. Constant staff changes can be distracting to your child’s learning environment. Every school has minimums regarding child-to-adult ratio. Does the school meet the minimums?
Is a full-time or part-time program a better fit for your child?
A big factor in choosing a preschool is whether your child is ready for a full day of school or would do better in a part-time program. According to a study by the Journal of the American Medical Association, children are better prepared for learning and social interaction in full-time preschool than in part-time programs. However, every child is different. Not all children will be prepared to start a full-time program. For example, a child who has never been in childcare outside of home might not feel as comfortable spending an entire day at school away from his parents, and a child who takes a two-hour nap every day might be better suited for a half-day program, so she can get home in time to rest.
Is there a waitlist?
Many schools have a waitlist, and researching schools can be a lengthy process, so start your search months before your child is ready to enroll. Some communities offer early education fairs, and many preschools hold open houses. Take advantage of these events to help make your decision early. The earlier you decide on a school, the more likely you will be able to secure a spot for your child when she reaches the age for enrollment.
Read the fine print.
Before you enroll your child, make sure you read the entire parent handbook. Verify the school’s hours, holiday schedule, tuition rates, vacation, and other policies work for you and your family. Typically, schools have other fees that aren’t included in the tuition, often for such items as registration, supplies, technology, field trips, and daily snacks. Calculate all costs involved before signing the agreement. Some schools require a certain amount of volunteer hours per family, so make sure the minimum hours are doable for you.
Trust your intuition.
A parent’s intuition is usually right, so trust your gut instincts. If the classroom looks fun and joyful while you’re taking a tour, and the children seem engaged and excited, those are good signs. If you and your child feel comfortable and have a good first impression of the school and its staff, you may have found the right preschool. If something doesn’t seem right, ask more questions and address any concerns you might have until you have a comfortable feeling about sending your child to school there. The most important thing is to find a place where your child loves to come learn every day.
“Parents should do their research when choosing a preschool for their child,” says Cordonnier. “There are many programs to choose from, but you have to make the right choice for your family and child’s needs.”
Questions Parents Should Ask a Potential Preschool
- What curriculum do you use?
- What is your program’s mission and philosophy?
- How do you incorporate learning?
- How do you promote social skills?
- How do you communicate with parents?
- What is the vacation policy?
- How do you monitor and evaluate student growth?
- How does the school approach discipline and conflict resolution?
- What safety precautions does the school take?
- What is the teacher-to-child ratio?
- Are there extended closures for holidays and breaks?
- Is transportation provided?
- Are meals served?
- Are the teachers qualified to teach children with special needs?
- What are the illness and absence policies?
Regan Lyons is a freelance writer who lives in St. Joseph, MO, with her husband and 5-year-old daughter.