Choosing a preschool for your child is one of the hardest decisions to make. Preschool provides a solid foundation for a child’s future learning. This is where they will learn the fundamentals of learning like the alphabet and numerals. Kids also learn some essential skills that will prepare them for their future endeavors. So when selecting a preschool for your child, make sure that you are prepared. Think of what your child should gain from preschool and what experiences they should have. You’ll soon realize that the process is not as hard and daunting as you may have thought.
To help you get started, here are some tips to help you choose the right preschool.
Start with the basics
To keep from getting overwhelmed with the process of selecting a preschool, start with the basics. For example, is it more important for the preschool to be near your home or near your workplace? Are you looking for a preschool that offers morning or afternoon services or both? When you have identified the basics, it’s a lot easier to narrow down your choices.
Make a list of the schools near you
There are a lot of different preschool options out there. Start by making a list of preschools closest to you. Filter through these choices based on the most important considerations. Ask your friends, neighbors and family if they can recommend a good school or two. Focus on people who also have kids around preschool age and those whose children have similar personalities to your children. Consider consulting your pediatrician especially if your child has special medical conditions or needs.
Make yourself familiar with some common terms
Many parents are not familiar with some of the most commonly used preschool terms. Terms like “child-centered”, “developmentally appropriate” and “faith-based approach” are different teaching/learning styles. Understanding the specific terms will give you an idea about the school’s educational philosophy, their programs and curriculum.
Conduct your research
Each preschool follows a specific curriculum. Try to match your child with the school that will follow your values as well as educational goals. With the list you just created, search the internet for the preschools’ websites. Research which of those schools resonate the kind of preschool education you want your child to have. Check the reviews and testimonials for positive feedback and red flags to be aware of.
Do a site visit
Once you’ve narrowed your options to three schools, it’s time to conduct school visits or tours. Bring your child with you to check out the area and surroundings. Observe how your child reacts to other children and how comfortable they are in that environment. Are you interested in what they have to offer in terms of academic education? Ask about their program and curriculum. Observe how the teachers and the children interact and if the setting is safe and clean.
Choose the place where your child will be happy
The most important consideration in choosing a preschool, is your children’s happiness. Select the school where your child will be the happiest. Quality of education is important, however it is equally important to select a place where your kids are going to enjoy learning. Preschool should be a place where your child begins to embrace and love learning.
These steps will help make it easier for you to choose the right preschool for your child.
If you are looking for a school that prioritizes your child’s holistic growth, please consider our Jackson preschool.