Finding a preschool
- 1). Start your search early. Many schools have a waiting list and it often takes months before your child is accepted.
- 2). Research different types of preschools to decide which type of school you would like your child to attend. There are different preschools such as Montessori schools, which believe in nurturing the physical, mental, spiritual and emotional needs of children so they work and play with enthusiasm thus developing a desire to teach and care for other people. Another example are Reggio Emilia schools. Their approach to education is creating conditions for learning that will encourage a child's own powers of thinking through all the expressive, communicative and cognitive languages. While these types of schools work for some parents and their children, they can also be expensive and may not fit your ideas or budget. There are also government funded preschools such as Head Start which can be beneficial to your child and affordable for you. While different preschools have different teaching methods, thoughts and ideas, they are all geared toward building a solid foundation for children, developing social skills and preparing them for the future.
- 3). Do an Internet to search for schools and their phone numbers in your area. Also, refer to parenting magazines. There are many available and they can be a useful source of information and helpful tips. Some include: Parent & Child, Parents Magazine, Parenting and Today's Parent. One of the best ways to find out about schools in your area is to speak with other parents who already have kids in preschool. They can provide an insider's perspective on the local preschools.
- 4). Narrow down your choices based on your needs, likes and dislikes of each school. Consider what type of breakfast, lunch and snacks the school offers and make sure they serve the kind of food you want your child to have. Also, consider the times of operation for each school. Some schools may not offer services for the full day.
- 5). Contact each preschool and set up appointments to visit these schools. Speak to the teachers and assistant teachers and ask them questions designed to test their teaching skills and methods. For example, ask about the methods used for dealing with misbehavior so you can decide if you agree with these methods. You should also ask about the school's curriculum and find out what your child will be taught. Carefully inspect the classrooms to make sure they meet your standards.
- 6). Enroll your child in the preschool that best fits you and your child's needs based on the research you have conducted.
