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Home › Articles › Preschool Prep › Selecting A Preschool

Selecting A Preschool

Why? When? Where?

By Dr. William Sears

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If the school does not seem suited to your child, shop around. There are many other factors, such as cost and distance from home, which may also affect your decision.

Three-year-olds have some separation anxieties, so initially accompany your child into the school and remain with her as long as your intuition tells you it is necessary. Be sensitive to your child's anxiety; yet be sure you are not projecting your anxiety onto your child. If Mother is anxious, the child will feel it and believe there is something to worry about.

child drawing

Daycare Centers Vs. Preschools
Your primary need may be daycare, particularly if you work outside the home, but at this stage your child needs more than just babysitting. Preschools, which are designed to stimulate and educate, naturally provide "daycare." You get much more for your money (and so does your child) by enrolling your child in a good preschool rather than depositing him in a daycare center.

Sometimes, whether or not he is ready for a preschool is a question which can only be answered by your child. If you sense a mismatch between your child and either teacher or school, make a change. You want the child's first school to be a positive experience. Concerning placement in a school or any social group, operate on parental intuition: when in doubt, take him out.

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