Preschool comes during a critical period of development for 3- and 4-year-olds. But the “best” preschool may mean something different for every child, so it’s important for parents to do their homework and know how to evaluate potential preschools.
Benefits of Preschool
Sending children to preschool before they enter kindergarten is much more common than it used to be, and for good reason. Preschool equips kids with necessary skills in three main areas:
- Academic – Preschool teaches pre-reading and pre-math concepts, colors, shapes, and letters to get kids ready for kindergarten.
- Social – Preschool gives kids a chance to play with other children their own age and practice sharing, taking turns, and making friends.
- School Readiness – Preschool introduces kids to a classroom setting where they must listen to a teacher, raise their hand, and follow directions.
Choosing a Preschool
Not all preschools are created equal, so it’s important to make your decision carefully. Gather a list of prospective preschools from other parents in your area, your school district’s website, or ads in the newspaper. Think about why you are sending your child to preschool and how you want him to benefit from it. Keep those things in mind as you call each preschool with the following questions:
- How many students are in a class? What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
- What is the background and experience of your teachers?
- What is the age range of students in the classroom?
- What times and days does preschool meet?
- What is the monthly tuition? What other application fees and costs can I expect?
- What immunizations are required for enrollment?
- Where is your preschool located?
- Does your preschool have a bus or do parents drop off and pick up their children?
- What is the daily schedule of the kids like?
It’s important to be specific and ask follow-up questions. If you feel that you’re given a vague answer, rephrase the question and ask it again. Record the answers you’re given so that you can compare preschools after you’ve finished making all your calls.
Learning-based vs. Play-based Preschools
Different preschools emphasize different skills. Some are strictly play-based, which means that kids are given freedom to play and explore in an unstructured way for most or all of the day. Others are learning-based, which means that they follow a set curriculum and devote a lot of time daily to structured educational activities. Asking very detailed questions about the daily routine should clue you in to which type of preschool you are talking to.
Visiting the Preschool Facility
After you’ve narrowed your choice down to a few preschools, call the preschool administrator and arrange a visit. Ideally you should be able to take a guided tour of the facility, meet the teacher(s), check out the classroom, and get copies of any handouts or information about the school. If possible, bring your child to get his or her impression of the school and evaluate how staff members interact with him or her.
If you still like what you see, pop in unannounced for a second visit later on. If possible, arrive during preschool hours so that you can observe an actual class in session. It’s critical to see conditions at the school and the behavior of the teachers when they aren’t expecting visitors. Almost all preschools have an “open door” policy that allows parents to drop in at any time, so you are well within your rights as a parent to make a surprise visit before enrolling your child.
Selecting a preschool for your child is no easy task, and it requires a considerable amount of legwork and thought. By following these guidelines you'll be best prepared to choose the best preschool for your child.
Readers might also enjoy "Teaching Pre-Reading Skills" and "Sample Letter of the Day Activities from A to Z."
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