How to Choose the Right Preschool for Your Child

Children begin preschool anywhere from 18 months (usually a parent and me type of class) to 4 years old. Whenever you decide that you want your child to begin their early childhood education, you need to be ready for the road to choosing the right preschool. It is not a simple feat especially if you live in a major metropolitan area like we do.

We decided that our twin boys would start preschool just as they were turning three. Here is what we did.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. 
    
   Start thinking about it when they are very young!

   Plan ahead! Begin the process of choosing the right preschool for your child at least one year prior to entry. In some metropolitan areas of the country, two years might be the rule. If you live in a small town, or in the more rural areas of the United States, the necessity for such long-term planning might not be as great.

2. 
    
   You will have to drive!

   Consider the location. This is extremely important since most preschools require you to transport your children to and from their school. Think about how much driving you are willing to do and how early you would need to get your kids out to get them to school on time.

3. 
    
   Ask your friends

   Ask other friends, relatives, parents, and colleagues where their children go or attended preschool. Ask for recommendations from people in your neighborhood, your religious institution, and anyone you trust for the names of preschools nearby. The reputation of a school is usually a good harbinger of its quality.

4. 
    
   The Emilio Reggio approach lets children map out ideas

   Think about what kind of curriculum you would like your child to have. Do you want it to be a high-powered educational approach or an approach more focused on creative play? Do you want Montessori, Waldorf, Emilio Reggio, or a regular old-fashioned curriculum. Do you desire a public or private or religious institution?

5. 
    
   Size of class is important

   Consider the size of the institution and its classes. Would your child do better in a big classroom with lots of children or would he/she thrive in a smaller environment? Some young children need to bond with their teachers and it could be difficult if they are in a sea of students. For others, this is not a problem.

6. 
    
   Public or private?

   Calculate how much you can afford to pay for your children's preschool education. Most preschools are not free but some are cheaper than others. If you choose to send your child to a part day program or just two or three days a week, it will of course, be less expensive. If you choose a full day program, be prepared to be shocked at how much it costs!!!
   
   In some educational districts, the public schools provide a preschool program. If you are lucky enough to access their program, the school will be free!

7. After you have considered all the variables above, apply for positions at no less than 5 institutions. You would be surprised at how difficult it is to get into even one! I had twins and the application process was even more difficult since we needed two spots!

8. 
    
   Talk with the director

   Set up a tour and a meeting with the director of the institution. You must go see the physical plant, see the classes when kids are there, you must meet the teachers and the director. Have any questions ready. Be sure to inquire about how long staff has taught/worked there. This is usually an indication of satisfaction with the school, its philosophy, and the way it treats not only the students, but also the staff.

9. 
    
   My boys loved their school!

   Field your acceptances!!! Unfortunately, you might get rejected or you might get "wait-listed". But don't despair. We got wait-listed at every school we wanted. It was very stressful for awhile and I started making alternative plans for my boys' activities for the next year. However, one of the schools eventually allowed my boys to come there and they loved every minute of it!!

Tips & Warnings

• Don't do what I did. I procrastinated and because we didn't start the process early enough, we got wait-listed wherever we applied. If this happens to you, get creative. When the institution finally allowed us in, we joined a five day class but only attended three days a week. I did not want my boys in a five day program in the beginning.
• Don't let this process get you down. It can be overcome and you will get through it.

Resources

• The Creative Curriculum Developmental Continuum Assessment Toolkit for Ages 3-5 Multimedia
• Early Childhood Settings and Approaches DVD
• How to Decide If Twins Should Be Together in School

[lighthouse1958]

on 10/17/2009 Great advice on choosing the right preschool for your children. I think this is a hard job. I have worked in children care before, 4 years, and I know what to look for. thanks, 5*

[luvbug020509]

on 8/9/2009 great tips! These will help when I start looking for a preschool for my little guy! 5*

[waters]

on 7/18/2009 Good information on how to choose the right preschool for your child.

[edieness]

on 7/16/2009 Great tips on How to Choose the Right Preschool for Your Child.

[bailey4]

on 7/15/2009 Detailed tips for How to Choose the Right Preschool for Your Child. 5*