When your child reaches preschool age, it can be an emotional, exciting, and stressful time. Preschool is the start of a long education journey for you and your child, so it’s important to make sure they begin their schooling in a program that’s best for them. Here are a few tips for discerning the best preschool for your child.
Ask Friends and Family Members
Your sister who put her two children through preschool and your co-worker whose daughter is going into kindergarten are the perfect people to ask for advice on selecting a preschool. If they live in the area, they can refer you to the preschools they chose and warn you of any programs that should be avoided. If you don’t have anyone you can go to for referrals, Google can help you find the best preschools in your area.
Visit the Preschool
While you’re conducting your research, you can start setting up interviews to tour preschools in your area. It’s important to take note of the appearance and safety of the school. You should also pay attention to how you feel when you enter the school. A school for children should feel colorful and warm. Listen to your intuition and trust your first impression.
Meet Your Child’s Potential Teachers
Your child’s preschool teacher will be spending a lot of time with them, and they will undoubtedly make a lasting impression. It isn’t enough for your child’s teacher to have the proper qualifications and training. They should also be kind and caring towards you and your child and take a strong interest in helping them succeed academically. Furthermore, it’s important that you and the teacher agree on discipline styles. Again, it’s best to trust your gut and avoid placing your child with a teacher who you are unsure of.
Understand the Curriculum
Everything your child learns in preschool will influence their thoughts and beliefs about the world. It’s important you understand what is being taught in your child’s preschool classroom so you can select a school that teaches the values and principles you want to instill in your child. You can talk with the pre-k school admissions team to learn what will be in the curriculum. If you have any concerns, make sure to share them in the meeting.
Choosing a preschool doesn’t have to be tough. When you use these tips, you’ll be able to weed out programs that aren’t right for your child, narrow down your list of possible schools, and choose the best one that will provide your child with the educational start they need.
