The first laugh, first step, first tooth… If you’re like most parents, your child’s newborn and toddler years flew by faster than you could have imagined. At the age of about three, your child is considered a “preschooler” and can be encouraged to start learning in a classroom setting. Choosing a preschool can be a complicated task; it may be the first time your child will be away from you for longer periods of time, or you may not know what you want in a preschool. Preschool may be the first time your child will get a chance to learn in an educational setting and may be the first time that your little one is in someone else’s hands for longer periods of time. It is important to try and choose the right environment for your child – not only from an educational standpoint, but also a social one as well. Here are 10 Steps to choosing the right environment for your preschooler.
Step 1: Start your research early! Most preschools start registration in January or February before the school year starts. You should start doing your research a couple of months before that deadline so you have a chance to find the appropriate school.
Step 2: Make a list of the attributes you would like your child’s preschool to have. Mainly, think about what kind of learning environment is most important to your family. Many preschools focus on learning through play, while others focus on a more traditional educational approach. Some schools incorporate a bit of both, while others are more extreme in their values systems, like the Montessori schools. None of them are better than the other, it is simply a matter of what suits your child’s personality the best. (It’s always good to include a couple of schools that do not teach based on the method you think you prefer, just to compare.)
Step 3: Make sure the price is right! It is pre-school, not college so make sure the monthly fees for the preschools on your preliminary list are within your family’s budget. Some preschools are more expensice due to the cost and use of learning materials, while others are less expensive but run as a “co-op” (parents are expected to volunteer their time to help clean, make snacks and organize events.) The price should never be the determining factor but you definitely have to factor the costs in as it will be a consistent charge for two years.
Step 4: After you have made a list of preschools that “fit the bill”, schedule visits with them. Ask if you can bring your child and sit in for a partial or even a whole class. Use this time to observe the way the teacher interacts with the class and how the class responds. Your child may be a bit shy at first, but ask yourself if you can actually se your child forming a good relationship with the teacher. Also take not of the class sizes – smaller class sizes can be beneficial but can also take away from the socialization aspect of the school.
Step 5: Talk to the Director or teacher about their disciplinary tactics. Many parents forget to ask about this and then later find that they disapprove of the teacher’s methods.
Step 6: Review a list of the preschool’s policies:
- Are children allowed to use the bathroom whenever they need to go, or are there set times?
- Are children required to wash hands, use hand sanitizer before and after snacking?
- What is the sick-child rule?
- Are snacks built in to the fees?
- Is there an emergency evacuation plan?
- Is there any mention of religion at the school? If so, how heavily focused is the program on this topic?
- What are the end goals the teacher hopes to achieve in two years?
- What is the school’s policy on reporting problems or achievements to parents?
Step 7: While on your tour, take a look at the organization of the class. Even play-based programs should be well structured and have a fairly strict schedule. Children so well when given routine activities on a consistent basis.
Step 8: After visiting the facility, think about the big picture and whether or not your child (and future preschoolers) will thrive in the environment. Don’t forget your involvement either; will Mom and Dad thrive? Parents are often expected to have at least a bit of involvement with the school as well so make sure it is a good fit for everyone. Weigh all of the benefits and flaws out together and see what cancels what out.
Step 9: Call references that the school has given you and ask around to friends, family and neighbours to see if they have comments that are positive, negative or anything at all to say about the schools.
Step 10: As always, parents should trust their instincts. If a school looks like the right fit on paper but you’re still getting that “not-quite-right” feeling then don’t enroll your child there!
Preschool is a time for learning, exploration, social development and fun. Choosing your preschool should be about the same experience. Finding an environment where your little one can grow stronger every day will help them gain the independence and knowledge that they need to flourish in the coming years.
Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is a Mom of two and is an expert on preschool, kids backpacks and all things children!
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