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Starting the Preschool Hunt
Tips for Finding the Perfect Environment for Your Child
By Becky Lane
Molland says the biggest distinction in preschools is between high-quality schools designed to get your kids ready for kindergarten and community centers or childcare facilities, which often do not offer the same quality of education. "A good rule of thumb is to find a school accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)," she says.
Also consider what kind of schedule a preschool offers. "Some schools run on a traditional September to May school-year calendar, while others run sessions for several weeks at a time with breaks in between," Posey says. "Some schools are open year-round."
When checking on schedules, don't forget to find out when and how often a preschool class meets and the duration of the class. There are all types of schedules out there, from two-hour classes that meet twice a week, to morning or afternoon classes, to all-day classes that meet five times a week. Find one that will work with your child's needs and your family's schedule.
With all the options available, what's the best way for parents to find desirable preschools in their area? "Research as many schools as possible," Posey says. "Ask friends and coworkers for referrals, and use the Internet to make a list of preschools you want to visit."
Green did exactly that when researching schools for her boys, including using a local online resource called Babevine. "It's a network of mothers in my area who are available to answer questions, provide parenting information and resources, etc.," Green says. "When I asked about preschools on Babevine the woman who actually ended up being my oldest son's teacher wrote back about the program. I talked to lots of different people about the school, teachers and their experience in general."
Once you have several schools to choose from, the next step is to visit each school. It's the only way to get a true sense of what the school is like, Molland says. "Plan to spend an hour or two there," she says. "And while you're there, put yourself in your little one's place and consider what you see from her point of view. It's also a good idea to make a list of things to look for before you go and ask about anything that concerns you. Be prepared!"
