How to Find the Right Preschool

In many areas of the country, parents need to enroll their children in preschool long before September. As more children attend early childhood programs, it has become increasingly difficult to secure a slot for your child if you wait too long. So for those of you beginning the preschool search, here are some tips and things to consider to help you find the right school for you and your child:

1. Get Recommendations. Yes, this seems obvious, but it should definitely be your first step. Ask other parents in your community for their suggestions. There may be some schools of which you're not even aware. Some local mothers groups publish directories of preschools. Check to see if this is available in your town.

2. Review the Programs Offered. Some schools are more like daycare, with programs beginning at 7:30am and ending at 6pm. Other schools may only offer morning sessions. If you only plan on sending your child for a half day, do you want them in a program where many of the children stay the full day? Do all children attend the same days (i.e, M, W, F) or does it vary? Classes are generally divided by age, but this is not the case in all schools. Are any enrichment programs offered after school? Is there a program in which to enroll in the summer?

3. Student/Teacher Ratio. Schools vary a great deal in the size of their classes. Make sure you know the class size limits for each program.

4. Teacher Qualifications. Not all states require the same degree of licensure or certification. Check to see what your state's regulations are, and whether or not the school's teachers exceed the requirements. Also, it's important to learn the length of tenure for the average teacher. High staff turnover may indicate a larger problem, or at the very least, may lead to inconsistent teaching.

5. School Philosophy. Some preschools are highly focused on academics, while others are more play-based. Each parent is looking for something different in a preschool, so make sure the school you choose lines up with your expectations.

6. Schedule a Visit. Observing the teachers as they interact with the children in the classroom is invaluable. It is the only true way of getting to know a teacher's style, and discovering whether or not it will work for your child.

7. Parental Involvement in the Classroom. Some schools require parents to help out, others offer classroom volunteering as an option. Still others, may discourage parental involvement in the classroom.

8. Safety. What are the school's strategies for ensuring that only staff, parents and approved school visitors have access to the school? What is the dismissal procedure? Is the playground fully fenced in? Is all of the playground equipment functional, with no missing or broken parts?

9. Communication. How do the teachers communicate with parents. Are weekly updates sent home? How often are parent/teacher conferences scheduled?

10. Potty Training. Some schools require children to be potty trained before they can attend a preschool program. For those with children still in diapers, this is an important consideration. You do not want to be desperately trying to get your child potty trained two weeks before school begins.

Beginning preschool is an exciting time for children and parents alike. Hopefully these tips will help you feel confident in your school decision.