How to Choose Preschool Curriculum

It's important to match up your child and their learning style with the preschool curriculum that best fits them. Remember, you do have some say in this matter. Different types of preschool curricula include Waldorf, Montessori, High/Scope, Reggio Emelia, Bank Street and Piaget.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Consider how structured you want the preschool curriculum to be. Some have a specific, teacher-led schedule to follow each day, while others are more free-form and allow the children to decide what they want to do that particular day. Some children work better in a very structured environment, and others don't. Keep in mind how your child learns best. Visit online sites, such as Parent Center (see Resources below), to explore the various curricula.
2. Think about how much individual attention you want your child to receive. In some preschools, a teacher helps a child out with almost everything and gives that child lots of personal attention. In other preschools, children are more on their own to explore and figure things out by themselves. There is no right or wrong choice; it all depends on how your child will learn best.
3. Determine how your child works best with other children. In some preschools, children do many group activities. In other preschools, children more often work individually.
4. Decide if you want a preschool curriculum for your child that is play-based or academic-based. Children of preschool age can learn through play or through more academic activities, such as books and discussions.
5. Evaluate how hands-on you want the preschool curriculum to be. For example, in some preschools, the children may read a book about leaves. In other preschools, the children may look for leaves in the school playground.
6. Visit preschools you are interested in and meet with the teachers and director. Have your questions answered about that school's particular curriculum and learning philosophy, while observing the school and classroom in action.