How To Find The Right Preschool

young mother and daughter playing with plasticine in a children's room

A preschool is your child's first experience in a formal school environment; needless to say, you want your child to have a positive learning experience. There are many factors to consider when choosing a preschool, including practicality, curriculum and individual attention.

Practical factors

Practical factors such as money and location should not determine where to send your child to preschool, but in the real world, they do matter. Do not feel that you have to send your child to the most expensive preschool in the area, and do not discount some of the less expensive schools. Judge each school by observation and interaction, not by price. Also, consider where your child plans to start kindergarten. If your child is shy, you may desire a smoother transition into kindergarten and first grade with the same teachers and classmates. If you have an outgoing child, this may not matter to you.

Curriculum

Decide what kind of curriculum you want your child to have in preschool. Do you want a state standards-based, rigorous curriculum that focuses on learning letters, numbers and other academic skills? Or, would you prefer a more laid-back curriculum that touches on these areas, but mostly focuses on social interaction and exploration?

Individual attention

One of the most important factors to consider is individual attention and child to teacher ratios. The best way to evaluate this is to observe a class or two at the preschools you are considering. See how the teachers are with the children; do they intervene right away if two students are having an argument? Do they go over to the child that is standing near the wall away from everyone else? Teachers need to juggle multiple students and events at the same time, and they need to hold your child's interest and attention.

Do not hesitate to call the preschools in your area and ask to sit in on a class; they usually accommodate you, and often encourage you to bring your almost-preschooler along.

While choosing a preschool is a daunting task, following these steps can make the process easier and can make you feel more comfortable that you are making the best choice for your little one's future.

call the preschools in your area and ask to sit in on a class