How to Choose the Best Preschool in Your Area

Posted On: February 2, 2017 By Jim Newton

Every parent’s idea of the “best” preschool will be different based on his or her beliefs and philosophies about childcare. Though it is difficult to fully give our trust to someone who we do not know, formal education will eventually become a large part of a child’s life, so why not get him or her acculturated to the experience early? Preschool is shown to be vital to a child’s educational success in the long run, and an overall valuable transitional tool for children who are on their way to being “school-aged.” Looking into preschools in your area may be a daunting task, but an important one to ensure your child’s success and optimal growth. Here are some helpful guidelines to finding a preschool that best suits your child, and your family.

Do Some Research

It is sometimes difficult to find a preschool that exactly aligns with your desires and wishes, and is still within range of your home. First, search for preschools in your area and work outward. Closer is better, especially in case of an emergency. However, sometimes distance must be sacrificed in order to provide your child with the best experience possible. Simply calling a preschool and engaging in communication with the administration will give you a sense of how dedicated and professional their establishment is; after all, you’ll want to have a good, working relationship with the people who care for your child. Visiting and taking a tour of each preschool is a must. By doing so, you are not only able to get a better sense of what a feasible distance is to drive, but you’ll first-hand see what materials the children have access to, what each classroom and outdoor area looks like in terms of safety and stimulation, and whom they will be interacting with on a regular basis. If you can, bring your child with you to each visit to get them prepared for and excited about the school atmosphere.

Consider What Children Love to Do

Children naturally gravitate toward different play materials—look for a variety of toys and activities that indicates a diverse play experience for all different children. In preschool, and with the help of parents at home, children learn basic information about the world such as: colors, letters, animals, and plants. Be sure to look around the classroom for various interactive toys, displays, or wall art that facilitates children’s early knowledge of such fundamental concepts. Also, look for classrooms that integrate the children’s own artwork and projects in displays; this is important for building self-esteem and appreciation for other children’s diversity and effort. It is also best if the school takes pride in cultural diversity and integrating various cultural practices into their curriculum.

Know About the Teachers

One of the most important aspects of what qualifies a good preschool is the staff that work there, in particular, the classroom teachers. All teachers are required to be certified and/or licensed; however, a license or certification does not ensure that the quality of care they give to each child is up to par with the child’s own developmental needs. The more the staff knows about early child development, the better. Knowing about the credentials of the people who work there is an important indication of the school’s practices. Pay close attention to the direct, individual, and group interaction the teachers engage in with the children, and their level of attention to individual temperament—are the teachers nurturing, assertive in disciplining, and balanced in their time spent interacting with each child? Also, feel free to ask the teachers questions about the intentions behind certain activities they employ with the children. They should readily know why they are applying certain techniques and how it will serve the children educationally and developmentally.

Inquiry About the School Schedule

Although schedules are important for children, especially in a school setting, your child should also be free to make his or her own choices throughout the day regarding what toys they play with, whom they play with, and where. Playtime especially should be an opportunity for children to develop social, language, and motor skills as well as acquire independence. A good preschool will show that they encourage a balance of adequate resources and guidance for your child to grow in these ways. The teachers are meant to facilitate playtime and help the children engage in new activities, but not put unreasonable restrictions on how the child chooses to engage.

Final Thought

The best care your child can receive may be in your own home, with his or her own caregivers. Keep in mind that the idea of a preschool being a duplicate/surrogate parent for your child is unrealistic. Making informed decisions regarding your child’s education and future by choosing a good preschool is a great place to start integrating the outside world into his or her life.