- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- preschoolers today articles
- preschoolers today q&a
- children today articles
- children today q&a
- message boards
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
 |
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Starting the Preschool Hunt
Tips for Finding the Perfect Environment for Your Child
By Becky Lane
"Today's parents often put security at the top of the list," Posey says. "Ask about the school's policy on entering the building and releasing children for pickup. A staff member should be present in the lobby to greet and identify anyone who comes into the school. Parents should ask about the policy on releasing children to family, friends or relatives. Are written permission from parents, picture ID check or family passwords required? These measures help to protect your child at school."
Finally, ask about health and safety, Posey says. "Ask about the school's policies on diaper changing, hand washing and sanitizing toys and equipment," she says. "For example, Goddard has an 18-step diaper changing procedure!"
Class curriculum can vary widely from preschool to preschool, with some schools placing more emphasis on academics, while others focus on socialization. "Most parents seek a balance of learning and play for their children, but this is an issue you will need to decide for yourself and of course, for your child," Molland says. "Most kindergarten teachers agree that their greatest challenges are not the kids who don't know their numbers, but the kids who lack the social, emotional and self-regulatory skills necessary to be in a classroom."
"I wanted a preschool that would allow the children to play and be kids and not only concentrate on academics," Green says. "The programs at my children's preschool include Wood Shop Clay Shop (weekly class where they work with wood, hammering, nails, clay, pottery, etc. My older son brought home many wonderful things he made!); Spanish; science (a Ph.D.-level scientist came to the school once a week to teach age-appropriate experiments and did hands-on projects with them); music, etc. They encourage the children to use their imaginations and to be creative."
Also, make sure the program will be appropriate for our child's age and developmental stage, Shackleton White says. "For instance, toddlers need constant reassurance in their daily lives," she says. "Giving them activities that they are capable of completing themselves, for instance, helps them gain security in themselves."
