From circle time to centers, preschool is a complicated, wonderful, difficult, and memorable experience. This is the third piece in Mumbling Mommy’s series about preschool. Previous posts discussed the benefits and drawbacks of preschool and how to know if your child is ready for preschool.
Much ado has been made of the preschool selection process. My oldest daughter was just an infant when a friend offered up a preschool recommendation, and it was the beginning of years of discussion between my husband and me. Did we want to send our daughter to preschool? What type of school? How many days a week? How much would it cost? If your head is a-whirl with all the questions that surround selecting a school, start here:
1. Determine your own preschool philosophy. Not all preschools are alike. There are play-based schools, Montessori schools, faith-based schools, nature-based schools, and more. Read up and decide what philosophy best fits your family. Consider how many days per week and how many hours per day you want your child in school.
2. Compile a list of preschools to research in depth. Every preschool on our family’s short list came via word of mouth from friends or educators we knew. Ask families at church, the library, or the park where they send their children.
3. Visit schools you’re interested in, and bring your child along. While you’re there, investigate cost, class size, student/teacher ratio, and staff turnover. One thing I love about my daughter’s preschool is that the same teacher has worked there for nearly 30 years. Also find out if you are allowed or required to volunteer in your child’s class. Some schools require parents to help on a regular basis. If you are caring for other younger children at home, find out if you can bring them along or if you need to make other arrangements for them on days you volunteer.
4. Be aware that preschool classes tend to fill quickly, but don’t panic. I enrolled my daughter at the last minute mid-year in a program at our community center, and there were still a few openings in her class. Most preschools start accepting applications during the winter for the next school year that starts in the fall. I wouldn’t recommend waiting until the last minute like we did, but I do believe if it is meant to be, it will work out. There will always be an opening somewhere.
5. If your child has special needs, look into free or discounted public preschool programs. Our school district offers preschool at no charge to special needs students. Students who only need speech therapy get a deep discount, while typically-developing children pay tuition similar to private preschools. A few school
districts offer free preschool to all children. If this is the case in your area, consider yourself fortunate.
Most importantly, remember to relax. Your child has years of schooling ahead of her, and your choice of a preschool probably won’t affect her chances of getting accepted to Harvard. The most important thing is to find a school staffed by caring adults who create a nurturing environment and make learning fun. The rest, as they say, is child’s play.
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Category: EducationTags: advice
