Choosing a Preschool
Kay Sikich, Early Childhood Educator

Preschool registration usually starts in January! Start looking for programs in the Fall before you want your child to attend.

When Should a Child Start Preschool?
It depends on your family situation and your child. While age 3 is early enough, some children can’t handle a preschool program until age 4. Parents are the best judges of when their child is ready. If after the first couple of weeks, your child is still crying or is unhappy at school, then he/she may not be ready. However, by age 4 or 5, most children can adjust well to a good preschool, although they may be somewhat hesitant until they get accustomed to the new situation.

If you want your child to attend a 3 year old program, that means your child may still be 2 years old when you begin your search. For a 4 year old preschooler, you would begin looking when your child is 3. Choosing the right preschool for your child can be a tough decision. Schools can be as unique and different as people are. Although the teacher-child ratio, age appropriate curriculum, and licensed teachers are important things to consider, research shows that it is even more important to have educators who really connect with the children and provide them with academic and emotional support. Good preschool teachers are warm and sensitive. They talk to kids individually, give them feedback that stretches their thinking and learning, and work closely with them on mastering skills.

When Evaluating a Preschool for Your Child, Keep These Things in Mind:

THE TEACHERS (STAFF)
It is important for the teachers to be experienced, trained, and licensed in early childhood education. They should also be very warm, loving, and patient.

Staff ratio should be at least 1 adult for every 10 children (Most preschools will have one teacher and one assistant per class)

Do the teachers seem to enjoy working with children?

Do the teachers respect the children as people and listen to them?

Do the teachers get down to your child’s level and make eye contact when talking?

Are they using calm voices?

Do the teachers encourage children to think and act for themselves?

Do the teachers create a climate for learning and encourage questions?

How do the children respond to the staff?

How comfortable does the staff make you feel?

What is the turnover rate for teachers at the school?

Ask permission to visit the school when it is in session - if you are told “No,” I would consider this a red flag.

THE PROGRAM
You want a program that will give your child opportunities to grow and develop in all developmental areas - physical development, social & emotional development, and budding intellectual curiosity.  A good program sees these areas as interrelated.

Who are the teachers?
The single most important characteristic of a high quality preschool is a teacher’s relationship with the children and the ability to be responsive to each child.

How is the day structured?
A good preschool program will include enough time each day for exploration, free play, and peer interaction.

Are the activities fun? With lots of hands-on learning through play?
Music, movement, stories and free art should be a part of each day.

Is there time for large group activities as well as small group times?
                               
Are field trips included for enhanced learning?                   

Are parents encouraged to be part of the program?

THE CLASSROOM
Your child’s classroom should be a happy place where all children are smiling and involved in activities and speaking freely.

Areas should include block exploration, dramatic play, art, science, books, sensory, puzzles and games.

Do the children seem to enjoy themselves? Is there singing, dancing, and smiling?

Are the furnishings the right height for small children?

Is children’s recent artwork displayed? Does it show creativity rather than a prescribed product?

Is the room set up to support the children’s independence? Can the children freely access the materials in the room?

Is there a place for children to put their personal belongings?

Is there a wide variety of books? Are the books changed throughout the year?

Is the alphabet displayed where children can see it? Numbers should also be visible.

Is there a gym or large motor room?

Is there an outdoor playground?

Is the room safe and clean?

Are emergency drills practiced?

DISCIPLINE
How is discipline handled?

“Children need to learn how to work out their problems, not be isolated from them.” Diane Trister Dodge, coauthor of Preschool for Parents.

The best teachers know how to deflect problems before they become conflicts.
If a child is losing self control in one area, the teacher might urge him/her to switch to another activity before the situation gets out of hand.

Beware of the “time out” corner - this should only be used in very extreme situations.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT
When families take part in their young children’s education programs, children do better in school and the quality of their education improves.

Are there parent conferences?

Are the teachers willing to share information about your child with you? Do they welcome your questions and comments?

How are parents involved in the program?

Can the parents help in the classroom and attend field trips and other activities?

Is there some form of home-to-school communication?
Newsletters or school calendars are good forms of communications to keep parents updated with what is going on at their child’s school.

YOUR OWN INSTINCTS
While the above considerations are very important, talking to others about their experiences can also be a valuable resource. Ask friends and neighbors for their recommendations.

However, never underestimate the importance of your own instincts. You, the parent, know your child the best.

Additional Resources:

Jack Shonkoff, M.D., Head of the National Academy of Sciences Committee on integrating the science of early childhood development
Lisa Gubernick/Child Magazine
Robert Pianta, PhD, Dean of the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia
Naomi Karp, National Institute on Early Childhood Development and Education
www.ed.gov/offices/OERI/ECI
www.wondertime.go.com
The PTA Magazine
www.Parents.com