Time to Look for a Pre-school

Can you believe it is December already?  Amidst the holidays, this is also the time we reflect on the past year and start planning for the year to come.  If you are the parent of a little one, you may be planning to register your child for preschool.  If you are holding your little, pudgy toddler in your arms and saying, preschool, not yet, remember that a lot of growth takes place over nine months.  Preschool registration can catch you off guard, but spaces begin filling up in December. 

Now that you are looking for a preschool, I am sure you want to send your child to the best one, but how do you find it?  One thing to keep in mind is something I read while pregnant with my oldest: There are thousands of ways to raise a child… and only a few that can really screw them up.  This made me laugh and relax a bit about my worries of being a mom worthy of my child.  I am never going to be the best mom on the planet (I have previously commented on my inability to cook), but I strive to be the best mom I can be.  The same can be said for preschool programs.  There are many different preschool programs with various philosophies, so it is necessary to focus not on what program is the best, but rather what program is the best fit for both your child and you.

To start the process, talk to friends and families in your neighborhood with slightly older children and ask them about their preschool experiences.  Once you have rounded down your search, taking into consideration recommendations, program offerings, and schedule, plan to visit several schools that fit your needs.  It is best to conduct your visit without your child so that you can be fully focused on the classroom and teachers.

What are you looking for, exactly?

The environment should be safe, warm, and inviting and show respect for children in the room.  Children’s work should be displayed in the classroom with care.  Make sure to see the outdoor play area as well to ensure it is safe and well maintained.  Look at the children in the classroom, are they engaged?  What is the child to teacher ratio?  As a parent, you know that even the most loved child is not happy all the time, but if there is an unhappy child in the classroom, how is the teacher regarding the child?  If you are like me, I am sure a number one priority is feeling as though your child will be loved at school.  Also, take time to read the school philosophy and goals to ensure they are consistent with your desires for your child.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children is an excellent resource for me as a teacher, but also as a parent.  The website, http://families.naeyc.org/ has two excellent links you may want to look at for more information: “What to Look for in a Program” and “Signs of Quality.”

Best of luck in your search!