It’s the question that causes as many sleepless nights as a newborn’s feeding schedule: When is the right time to send our “baby” off to preschool?
Our oldest was 2 years old when talk of Parents’ Day Out and preschool inched its way into the vernacular of mom-and-tot social circles. A few moms were quick to sign up (some, I’m convinced, had placed their children on lists when they were popping prenatal vitamins). For the rest of us, the decision between keeping kids home and sending them off into the Great Unknown, if even for small portions of time, was overwhelming.
Enter the Parents as Teachers “Preschool, Parents’ Day Out and Community Fair.”
Mommy friends banded together on this pivotal night to systematically peruse displays of virtually every preschool in the area. Beaming preschool directors and teachers patiently answered a litany of questions on their respective schools and distributed pamphlets picturing joyful parading children linking hands and frolicking through playgrounds. I could tell immediately that these experts in child development genuinely adored young kids. That night, the Great Unknown became, well, just great. I was confident my 2-year-old was ready for Parents’ Day Out.
After visiting our top five preschools and making two more visits each to the top three (I kid not!), we settled on just the one—a parochial early education center in Overland Park.
It was, for our daughter, a perfect fit.
It was also because of this wonderful preschool, many years later, that we discovered her younger brother needed help with his fine motor development. Both his preschool teacher and Blue Valley Special Education Services set us up with resources to advance him, including a free pilot program for vision therapy and an in-class visit from an occupational therapist. Knowing he needed extra intervention ultimately led us to our next preschool experience: the Peer-Model Program.
Through the Peer-Model Program, our son attends a Blue Valley public school with a mixture of normally developing and developmentally delayed peers. A teacher and two assistant teachers, plus a speech and occupational therapist, are in the classroom working directly with his developmental needs, making the student-to-teacher ratio about two-to-one. Our son is thriving, making huge strides with drawing and handwriting and could not be more thrilled to go to school each day.
Though each child’s path led in a unique direction, our sleepless nights over prospective preschools have now, from the other side, turned into dreams-come-true for our two kids.
IS SHE READY?
Wondering whether your child is ready for a preschool program? If you answer yes to most or all of these questions, she is a good candidate for preschool:
- Can your child engage independently in basic skills such as hand washing, eating and sleeping in her own bed?
- Does your child handle separation and transitions well?
- Does your child need more social interaction than you can offer at home?
- Does your child play well with peers?
- Can your child sustain focus and work on a task or project independently?
- Does your child obey simple instructions and behave for other adults?
- Are your child’s rhythms of rest and activity conducive to a morning, afternoon or full-day preschool setting?
- Is she toilet-trained? (Check with each preschool for its specific policy.)
EIGHT QUESTIONS TO ASK EVERY PRESCHOOL:
With so many options available, screening preschools can be an intimidating task. After you’ve determined how far you’re willing to drive, whittle down your list of prospective preschools with these basic questions:
- What is your education philosophy and what specific skills are taught at each age level?
- What are the staff’s required education and emergency training credentials? Do they undergo thorough background checks?
- Are Parents’ Day Out and pre-kindergarten programs offered?
- What is the maximum capacity and student-teacher ratio for each age group?
- What is the preschool’s policy on toilet training?
- How are children disciplined and comforted?
- What does a typical day look like?
- May I walk in or schedule a visit?
SCHEDULE A VISIT
Glean as much information as possible from the school’s website or brochure information, then tote this list of questions and observations along as your official preschool tour guide:
Logistics:
- What are the day and time options for preschool, Parents’ Day Out and pre-kindergarten programs?
- Is an extended day option available?
- What is the cost of each program and is there a deposit?
- What is the drop-off and pick-up procedure? Is there a drive-through option?
- Do you have a sign-in/sign-out system?
- Are the doors locked during school hours? What security is in place to keep children safe?
Enrollment:
- What is the enrollment date and process?
- Is there a lottery or wait list?
- Can I be guaranteed placement for future siblings?
Staff:
- Do staff members appear happy and engaged?
- How long do staff members tend to stay at the school?
- May I meet/observe the teachers?
Communication:
- How do teachers communicate with parents?
- Are daily reports given?
- Does the preschool have an up-to-date website?
- Can I expect parent-teacher conferences?
Environment:
- May I tour classrooms and observe one in progress?
- Is there a posted classroom schedule?
- Are there centers for children to explore? How well do students transition between activities?
- Does the environment appear safe, engaging and clean?
- Is there a fenced-in playground?
- Is there a television within the classroom and if so, how often is it used?
- Are there restrooms designed for young children within the classrooms?
Eating & Naps:
- Are there food restrictions?
- What is your policy on snacks, lunch and birthday treats?
- Is there a naptime during the day? Is it required?
Parent Participation:
- In what ways can parents participate in the classroom?
- Does the school host parent nights?
- Do parents plan and attend class parties?
Specials/Field Trips/Holidays:
- How are art, music and physical education incorporated into the classroom?
- Does the preschool take field trips?
- Are there any recitals or holiday pageants?
- How are holidays celebrated?
- Does your preschool offer summer camps?
Wendy Connelly is a mother of a 4- and 6-year-old from Overland Park.