How to Choose the Best Preschool for Your Child
Every parent cherishes the time they spend with their children. The first few years of a child's life are often wonderful times of bonding with your child and learning to adopt parental responsibilities in your daily life.
However, many parents find they must choose a preschool in the near future. Sometimes this choice comes from a desire to educate children early. Others may need this because their work schedule requires them to leave children with a daycare.
Whatever the case, you likely want to leave your child in the best preschool available. The only problem is that you may not know how to narrow down your education options.
Fortunately, you can find the answers in this guide! We'll explore how to find the best preschool available.
Know Your Child's Strengths and Limits
When searching for a new preschool, start by considering your child's current development. This assessment can help determine whether a potential school will work with your child.
For example, consider whether your child excels at the following:
Sitting still for short periods
Taking turns playing and conversing
Controlling emotions and behavior
Following instructions
Coloring with crayons
Writing with a pencil
Sharing supplies and toys
If your child struggles with several of these activities, it may be best to reconsider whether they should go to preschool. However, you may also find a preschool willing to work with your child. You won't know until you follow the next step.
Visit the Preschool
Always observe prospective schools in person. Visiting the school gives you a chance to see the teachers who may work with your child. Ideally, you can visit several classrooms in a 30-minute visit.
During this time, you can stop in and see several teachers in action. When you do, look for some of the following traits.
First, consider whether teachers redirect kids. Do they gently lead children to other areas when they lose control? Or do they yell at the child and give them a time-out?
How does the teacher praise children? Do they offer specific praise or more general compliments?
Finally, consider whether the teacher seems to enjoy working with children. Do they engage with children in a way that demonstrates understanding and authority? Or do they seem frequently frustrated with the children?
Once you've observed the teacher, note whether there is an assistant teacher or aide who works alongside them. If so, do they work well as a team? It's crucial to examine both since both adults could work with your child.
Check Out the School's Environment and Atmosphere
Children generally learn better when they follow a structure and routine. So, in many preschools, the schedule follows a particular order.
For example, children may start the day with an hour of free play. Then, they come together in circle time. At this time, the teacher reads to them from a book so they can build vocabulary words.
Many preschools also have times for outside play, lunch, and basic writing and arithmetic lessons. However, the content isn't always the most important thing. Parents should also consider the overall school environment.
For example, psychologists generally concur that children find bright colors attractive. They help children feel more welcome and excited in their environment. This excitement extends to their learning and helps to make it fun
In contrast, drab and undecorated walls will feel intimidating and isolating to kids. It fosters a more somber environment that most children won't enjoy.
Also, take care to remember your child's individual needs and preferences. You may have a child that doesn't benefit from rigid structures and schedules. If so, look for a preschool that provides more flexibility and free play.
Learn When to Apply
Applying to preschools is often the most challenging part of early childhood education for parents. First, many preschools have lengthy waiting lists. These lists are especially common for reputable preschool establishments.
Because of these waits, you may need to apply before your child reaches the school's required entry age. Also, check with the preschool to determine their application deadline.
This concern brings us to the next consideration. Parents must learn what age limits their preschool enforces.
On average, most preschools begin accepting students at age three. Some may enroll kids as young as two.
Others may have additional requirements in place. For example, many preschools require children to be potty-trained before they begin school. Others may assist parents by providing potty training, but this is rare.
Finally, consider whether your child still shows significant separation anxiety when away from you. If this separation anxiety proves debilitating, it may be best to wait another year before enrolling them.
Consider a Preschool's Cost
The thing that many parents dread about preschool is its cost. These costs can vary tremendously based on your location.
Costs also vary depending on the school's type. For example, private preschools are generally the most expensive option. Some private preschools cost between $1,000-$2,000 monthly.
Another option is to enroll your children in co-op preschools. Co-op preschools rely on parent volunteers to run the school.
These options are generally more affordable. However, there is a catch. Many co-op preschools require parents to contribute time to teach if they want to receive lower rates.
Finally, there are transitional kindergarten and Pre-K schools. Generally, these schools are publicly free for children.
However, these schools also have varying age requirements. Some may specify that all children of a certain age can attend. Others may say that children can enroll if their birthday falls before a specified date.
Talk to the Program Director
These tips can help you find the best preschool for your children. However, there is one final step to follow. Parents should always talk to the preschool's program director before enrolling their child.
Fortunately, we make that step easy for parents! Contact us today if you're interested in our early childhood education services. We're happy to walk you through our program and answer any questions you have.