Having trouble choosing a preschool for your child? You are not alone. Looking for the best childcare services which will support your little one’s development and learning is a huge step. Making this decision is tough because there are several factors to consider. As a parent, you must consider the different program, curriculum and educational philosophies of each preschool. Trying to figure out the best for you kids may be daunting. But here’s a helpful guide you can use as you navigate the process of preschool selection.
Think about what’s important
Want to avoid being overwhelmed by the process of choosing a preschool? Go back to the basics and think about what’s really important. Consider how the preschool will fit into your daily life as a family.
- Do you need the preschool to be close to your home?
- Do you need it to be close your workplace?
- Is it important for the preschool to have childcare services available in the morning?
- Do you need it for your child in the afternoon, or all day?
Know which curriculum is best for your child
You know your child better than anyone. And that is why it is important you enroll them in a preschool which will be a good fit for them. Preschools use different curriculum and approaches. Take the time to be familiar with the most common ones, such as child-centered, Montessori, faith-based, and project-based. Understand what these terms mean so it’s easier to pick the right approach your little one needs.
Do your research
Narrow down your options by doing research. Ask your friends, family, neighbors and other parents. Seek their feedback, as well as their suggestions and recommendations. Ask specific questions regarding the program and curriculum offered by the preschools in your community. Also be prepared to take notes. As soon as you have created a list of preschools, utilize the internet for more research. Visit each preschool’s website to find out more information about what they have to offer. Learn more about their teachers, staff, and activities planned out for the year. Also go through parent reviews so that you can weed out the ones that have a lot of complaints.
Schedule a tour
Now that you have a shortlist of preschools, it’s time to schedule a tour. It will be best to bring your child with you during your visit. This is an excellent way to give them a general feel of the environment so that they can also decide whether they like the setting or not. Make the most of the tour to learn more about the preschool, as well as its staff and teachers. Learn about their curriculum and program. Observe how the classes are conducted and notice the interaction between the teachers and students. It will also help if you take time to talk to the director and the teachers.
You will know that a preschool is well run if the teachers and the students are getting along well. It should also have a high family involvement. When families are involved with their children’s education, teachers get the support they need from parents. As a result, children do better in school. And all these are important for your child’s learning and development.
Make some key observations about the environment.
- What is your general feeling about the setting?
- Is your child going to be safe here?
- Does the preschool offer plenty of opportunities for children to play, learn and explore?
- Is the playground equipment safe and age appropriate?
- What is the condition of the classrooms and objects used?
Ask your child their opinion
Before making a final choice on the preschool, it’s crucial that you seek out your child’s personal choice. It is important you hear them out and consider their opinion, too. After all, what matters most is that you enroll your child in a preschool where they will develop, enjoy new friends and grow their love for learning.
It’s never easy to choose the right preschool for your child as there are several things that need to be considered. But with the help of these tips, you can go through the process and be able to pick the best one not only for your little one but also for your family.
If you’re looking for a preschool that focuses on your child’s holistic growth, please consider our San Antonio preschool.