My husband and I recently attended a Preschool/Mother's Day Out Fair hosted by Blue Valley Parents As Teachers. Our daughter turns three in June, and we have decided that she is ready for preschool! She has been involved with a Mother's Day Out program one day a week, and has thrived in her time at "school." The social aspect has been great for her, as well as learning how to be a part of a group, wait her turn, and follow directions (among other things).
As we walked around two separate gym areas filled with representatives from various local preschools, it became very clear that I needed to know what I was looking for, what was important to me, and what information would be helpful in ultimately deciding what preschool would be best for our daughter.
The following is by no means an exhaustive list, but it is a list of questions meant to help you navigate through the bright colors, pretty signs, art projects, and circle times. After all, everyone is putting their best foot forward, and you've got to decide what is right for your child - NOT what the neighbors are doing, NOT what the grandparents think you should be doing - but simply whatever is best for your child and his or her needs.
Here are some questions to ask when looking at a preschool for your child:
1. What is the teacher to child ratio, and how many children will you actually put in one classroom?
2. What type of discipline guidelines do you have?
3. Does my child need to be fully potty-trained to start your program?
4. How is the day structured?
5. Is there a formal circle time for the children, and if so, what components are included?
6. How much focus is on academics?
7. What kind of centers are set up in the room for the children? How much learning is teacher-directed, and how much is
child-directed?
8. How long has the present director been the director? What is the teacher turn-over rate?
9. If it is religious based, how will this be incorporated into the day?
10. What kind of curriculum do you offer?
11. How often will children engage in art, and is the focus on the process or the product?
12. How safe and private is the facility to outsiders?
13. Is music a part of the daily routine?
It is my hope that this list can be used for your reference when considering various preschools for your child, and that it will spark other questions that are important to you.