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Step 1
Create a list of preschools you might be interested in. You can get preschool recommendations from the parents of your child's friends, from coworkers who have children, neighbors with children or search the Internet for preschools in your area.
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Step 2
Learn about the different teaching philosophies that preschools may follow. These philosophies include Piaget, Waldorf, Reggio-Emelia and Montessori. Each of these teaching styles works best for different children. Research each of these styles and ask the preschool about their specific teaching philosophy so you can decide which is best for your child.
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Step 3
Talk to the preschool director or the preschool teachers about the curriculum of the preschool. Ask about the goals and skills that your child will be expected to accomplish and learn while in preschool. Make sure that the lesson plans appear appropriate for accomplishing these goals and
skills. Ask how physical and creative play fit into this curriculum. -
Step 4
Observe the preschool classrooms at the schools that interest you. Check to see if the classrooms look clean and safe. See if they have up-to-date and developmentally appropriate materials, such as books, puzzles, maps and art supplies. Also, make sure that you can observe the preschool classroom at any time if you enroll your child.
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Step 5
Listen to the preschool teachers. See how they interact with the students and with one another. The teachers should be nurturing and exhibit positive relationships with the students. Make sure that the teachers are well trained, with at least one teacher in the classroom having a degree in Early Childhood Education.
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Step 6
Ask the preschool director about discipline. Find out how the teachers and the director deal with discipline in the preschool classroom. Make sure that these discipline methods fit the values of your family and your discipline methods at home. In addition, find out how the school deals with any issues that your child may have, such as potty training or being overly shy in the classroom.











