Preschool matters because it helps children develop in different ways as an individual. Preschool will not only nurture their growth intellectually, but it will also help them develop other skills that will prepare them for kindergarten.
While sending your little one to school early offers numerous advantages, choosing a preschool for your child can be a daunting task. When trying to select a school that’s a good fit, consider the academics program, curriculum and learning activities that your child will get from preschool.
Try these tips to ensure your child makes the most of their first classroom experience!
Narrow down your options based on the price, location and hours
Every family may have different considerations and different needs. But most of us look at the location, hours and price when choosing a preschool. Do you want the preschool to be near your home or workplace? Do you need your child to be in school in the morning or afternoon? Do they have a schedule that will fit your family? Once you have answered these questions, you can easily come up with a list of a few preschools you may want to visit.
Conduct your research
With the list of schools in hand, you can further narrow your options by doing a bit of research. Try reaching out to other parents, family, friends or neighbors. Ask them for recommendations and advice about the preschool that they think could give children a quality education. Another great resource tool you can tap is the internet. Do an online search of your prospective preschools for specific information on the curriculum and programs they offer. Also, take time to check the reviews. Check for complaints, violations on health and safety and other important issues that may affect your child in one way or another.
Schedule a visit
When you have narrowed your list to a few preschools, it’s time to schedule site visits. Bring your child with you during the tour to see if they feel comfortable in the setting. There are a couple of important points to look out for during your tour. First, observe how the teachers interact with the students. Notice if there are real conversations taking place between the teachers and the students. Also try to observe if the staff show genuine care to children. Look for positive interactions not only between students and teachers; but also between students and their peers. Verify that the teachers have received adequate training, and ask about any professional development they continue to receive.
When you tour the location, check for safety in the school environment. Ask if the school has any emergency plans. Check the classrooms to determine if your child will be comfortable with the rooms as well as the furniture. You should notice if the center is comfortable and conducive to learning. More importantly, ask about the class schedule, the curriculum and the programs. Find out how much time is spent on both learning and playing. Look for a preschool that knows how to create the right balance between learning and having fun.
Choose the preschool that will make your child the happiest
After researching and going on site tours and visits, it’s time to make the final decision. Based on the information you have gathered, come up with your top three centers. Then ask your child which preschool they would prefer.
At the end of the day, what matters is that your child goes to a preschool that will not only mold them academically but will also be where they will start their love for learning.
